What if {ereri}

5

Levi

I have lived with the Jaegers for two years now.

I am eleven.

Mikasa, Eren, and I were sent out to gather firewood today.

We walked to the meadow—our usual place.

Eren, of course, immediately flopped onto the grass.

He stretched out, arms behind his head, eyes closed.

I think he fell asleep.

Mikasa and I didn't wake him.

We just started gathering firewood.

The air was warm. The breeze was soft.

Then—

"So, you love him," Mikasa said.

I stopped.

I turned to her, confused.

She shrugged. "It's obvious."

I blinked.

She smirked. "Ever since we first met, I could tell."

Love?

I don't know.

I don't know what love is supposed to feel like.

But—

When Eren talks, I listen.

When he smiles, I watch.

When he's angry, I stay.

I stare at Mikasa.

She raises an eyebrow. "Well?"

I hesitate.

Then—nod.

She grins. "I knew it."

We keep gathering wood.

Neither of us speak again.

⸻

Once we finish, we go back to Eren.

Mikasa nudges him with her foot. "Eren, wake up."

Eren groans, stretching.

His eyes—

Wet.

Tears?

I kneel beside him.

He rubs his face quickly.

Mikasa frowns. "Eren... were you crying?"

He hesitates. "I... don't know."

I reach out.

My fingers brush his cheek.

Eren turns, blinking at me.

Confused.

I tilt my head.

Mikasa watches.

We don't say anything.

Instead, we stand and start walking.

⸻

On the way back, we run into Hannes.

"Good morning, Mr. Hannes," Eren says.

"Morning, runts," Hannes grins. "Want to play a quick game?"

His breath reeks of beer.

I frown.

He gestures to the other Garrison members.

They're drinking, laughing, playing cards.