What if {ereri}

3

Levi

I have lived with the Jaegers for a week now.

It is... different.

The house is warm. The food is good. I have a bed.

Eren talks a lot. So does Mikasa.

I listen.

I nod when I need to. Shake my head when I don't like something.

They understand.

I don't leave the house much.

Too loud. Too bright. Too many people.

But today, Eren asked if Mikasa and I wanted to meet his friend, Armin.

I thought for a moment.

Then I nodded.

And now, we are outside. Running.

The air is fresh.

It feels good.

Mikasa is fast. Eren is faster.

I don't try to keep up.

I move at my own pace.

It is nice—being here, being with them.

Being away from the Underground.

⸻

We stop at the Wall.

Eren stares up at it.

I tilt my head.

What is he thinking?

"One day," Eren says, voice strong, "I'll see the outside. I'll join the Scouts and see everything."

I frown.

I lift my hand—whack—and hit him on the head.

He turns, glaring. "What was that for?"

I shake my head.

His eyes narrow.

"You wouldn't get it," he mutters. "You didn't grow up trapped inside these walls."

I scowl.

Underground was worse.

He doesn't understand.

I cross my arms.

Eren sighs. "Fine, I get it. Anyway—Armin."

I turn.

A blonde boy stands there. Small.

His hair looks like a coconut.

His eyes are big. Bright.

"Eren!" the boy calls.

He runs up to us, smiling.

"Armin, you're finally here! These are my friends—Mikasa and Levi," Eren says.

I nod.

Mikasa speaks first. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Armin says, grinning.

His smile is big.

Too big.

People don't smile that big.

It makes my stomach feel strange.

We sit together.

They talk.

I listen.

Sometimes I nod. Sometimes I shake my head.

No one minds.