One Last Time

Ch.12: Truth

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Chapter 12: Truth

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When Levi went back to Erwin's office, he didn't expected to get invited to town on the weekend. Apparently, the Commanders of the other military sections wanted to talk to him before he takes over the Survey Corps. Erwin needed and wanted to go ... But not alone.

"Do I really have to go?" Levi asks, he was standing up facing Erwin who sat behind his desk.

"Well, it would be good for you to make connections with the other Commanders," Erwin notices that Levi wasn't wearing his brown jacket, which was strange because an hour ago he was wearing it. "Also, I would enjoy your company."

"Where would it be?"

"Probably at a bar or tavern, it's nothing special."

He did not want to go, he really wasn't one for meetings. Also, he didn't want to go to a bar, he enjoyed drinking from time to time but he wasn't one to get drunk. Although drinking helps him sleep, he preferred to stay home and drink black tea. Maybe even continue teaching Maria how to read and write-

"Wait, when are we going?"

"This weekend."

Now, this was more interesting. He knew he shouldn't but if there was a small possibility of seeing what type of 'date' Maria and Nicholas would be having, then he will take it. He wasn't going to follow them or anything like. But he also enjoyed the idea that maybe Maria would get jealous. If they are going to a tavern or a bar, there would definitely be women around. And of course, he was going to highlight that in tonight's conversation.

"Fine, but if you get drunk I'll leave you there," Levi says already thinking of leaving for the day.

"Seems fair," meanwhile, Erwin was unsure if he should ask him or not. About why he seemed more agitated than usual, in the sense that his hair was a mess, his shirt wrinkled and it wasn't tucked in like it usually is. It had been just an hour ago since he saw him and he was sure he already knew the answer to Levi's current state.

"So, how are things going with Maria?" Erwin decided to just word his question differently. "Have you figured out how you feel yet?"

"Why are you asking?" Levi was on the defensive now. Like always, he just hated it when people would meddle in his business. Even if it was Erwin.

"I talked to her, she is a nice young lady," the blond man says. "I can see why you have an interest in her."

"We are nothing serious," Levi responded as he tried to end the conversation quickly so he could go back home already.
But there was a silence and Levi hated it because he could feel Erwin's eyes on him. He was analyzing him and the situation at hand.

"You are afraid aren't you?" After a few seconds, Erwin speaks up, sure of his words. "That one day she will disappear or leave you?"

He hated it every time Erwin would tell him the truth in his face. And all Levi could do was to stay quiet, waiting for Erwin to finish whatever he needed to say.

"I have to admit that I sometimes, I see myself in you ... I also loved someone," Erwin says. "But I had to let her go because I didn't want to hurt her ... Now she is happily married and expecting a child."

Erwin sees Levi who had his arms across his chest, he was listening to him and patiently waited for him to continue.

"And to be honest with you, I sometimes regret it," Erwin continues as he keeps looking at Levi in the eyes. "But knowing that she is happy and safe it's enough for me."