Chapter Text
Blue eyes opened quickly.
He looked at the ceiling in his room. It took him a few seconds to recognized he was on the bed. Blinked several times, he scanned the room and found the digital clock on the table. 6 AM.
“Uhm,” he sat up. Covered his eyes cautiously. “What was that? A dream?”
It was kind of a long dream which resembled a movie he watched with his best friends a few weeks ago. Something about Titan. He have headache when he tried to remembered. “Ugh,” both his hands on his head. Then, a someons's face popped in his head. Someone in the dream.
Neat short blond heir. Busy eyebrows. Icy blue eyes. Tall. Charismatic leader.
He heard himself inside the dream called the man with, “Commander Erwin...”
Who was that?
—000—
“Congratulations, Armin!”
The blond had just opened his classroom to found his friends welcomed him. Blue eyes stunned to saw all his friends wished him ‘Congratulations for winning the debate competition’ merrily. Jean and Connie throw confetti at Armin while the girls like Mikasa and Historia guided him to sat on a chair. Eren put the others classmates in order so they could take pictures together. It was chaos, to be honest. Jean shouted, Eren shouted. Armin laughed at his friends antics.
Historia balanced a cake on her hands. Connie with two mobile phones on his hands shouted that he will take pictures. The others posed.
“Everyone, say ‘Armiiinn’!” ordered Connie.
“ Armiiiiiiiinnnnnn!!! ”
Armin beamed at camera. Few clicks and several mobile phones has taken pictures and videos, they finally satisfied. Armin cut the cake and shared it with his other classmates. They spent lunch break in this way.
“Thank you, guys,” he smiled at Eren and Mikasa as they enjoyed their cakes. “You shouldn't do this. It's just a competition.”
“Figures,” Eren smiled. “You read those books too much, Armin. Win is a win. Live a life a bit isn’t a sin.”
A sin...
Armin blinked, he looked at Eren who ate the cake. Why did it felt like his heart hurts to hear Eren said that? Why? He could felt his eyes stinging and on the verge of crying. Armin confused.
“Hey, I heard that our new History teacher will come today,” said Connie to the class.
Eren asked, “Who is it?”
Jean asked, “Pretty or not?”
“Man or woman?”
“I don’t know!” Connie said. “I overhead the new teacher will come but I don’t know.”
Eren and Jean said in unison, “Useless.”
Veins twitched, he glared at the two, Connie was annoyed, “What?! I share you guys new information and this is what I get?”
Armin chuckled at his friends. A new History teacher. I wonder... Who is it?
–000–
“My name is Erwin Smith. I will be your History Teacher from now on,” a tall, blonde man with icy blue eyes said.
Armin gaped.
“Is there any question?” Erwin asked the class.
Armin stood up with pale face.
All eyes on Armin who stared at Erwin like he looked at a ghost. Erwin said amiably, “You don’t have to stand. It's alright to just state your name and ask your question from your seat.”
Erwin assumed the student want to ask him question. He waited. The whole class waited the question but Armin stupefied. It worried the new teacher. The student looked pale. Eren and Mikasa noticed the same thing. They exchanged confused glances.
It's him!
Armin screamed in his head. That face, that voice, that name. Commander Erwin. The one he saw in his dream last night. He felt guilt the moment he saw the new teacher. He didn’t know why. They just met today.
Erwin asked cautiously, “Are you alright?”
Looked at his friend like in trance state, Eren whispered, “Armin. Armin! He ask you a question.”
Another blinked, Armin awared all eyes on him. “Oh, uhm,” he scanned the class and remembered, “Question? Ah, yes, how old are you, Sir?” He asked the first random question he could think about.
“I'm 26,” replied Erwin. The whole class gasped in horror. They didn’t think this new teacher was that young. Erwin seemed at ease with their reactions as if he knew already. He smiled at the class, “I've been told I look older than my age but it's true.”
The class whispered to each other. Erwin looked at Armin again, “And your name is?”
“Armin Arlert, Sir.”
Erwin nodded and asked the class to state their names one by one. The whole time, Armin couldn’t get his eyes off of Erwin. Indeed, like the current age, he looked younger than the one in his dream. But, they still the same man...
Right?
–000–
Even after few days passed, Armin still stared at Erwin everytime he saw the older blond. The staring was intense which his class noticed it after few days. Armin only has his eyes on Erwin. Not only that, Armin become most active in History Class. No doubt, Armin was the smartest in their school.
However, during History Class, he talked in every chance he could. Every questions Erwin asked, he answered without missing a beat. Erwin impressed with Armin and the younger blond seemed addicted to the new teacher's validation. His classmate never saw Armin like that with any other teacher. Never.
It was alarming to the classmates.
One afternoon, during lunch break...
“Where is Armin?” Eren asked before he ate his cheese burger.
Mikasa replied, “Mr. Smith asked for his help earlier.”
“Mr. Smith?!” Eren thunderstrucked.
Jean heard that, “Armin and Mr. Smith?”
The others whispering at those names, Jean looked around, “I take it all of you notice our smartest friend have a crush on our new teacher?”
“Who doesn't?” Eren snorted.
Jean raised an eyebrow, “It's rich coming from you who are still single considering someone already make a move.” Despite the Student Council President with the nickname ‘Captain’ already make a move on Eren few months back. Everyone in the school know but only Eren didn’t noticed until now. Poor Captain...
The others nodded in aggrement.
“What's that supposed to mean?” Eren scowled.
Historia grabbed the attention before any argument between Eren and Jean started, “Anyway, back to Armin. Do you think Armin has a chance? Do you think Mr. Smith will notice?”
“He is blind if he didn’t notice already,” Ymir commented. “Armin practically throw himself at him. Should give the teacher a ring already.”
“He is our teacher, do you guys think it will be okay if they are together?” Connie said. Sasha worried, “Will he be arrested?”
“No, as long as he doesn’t rape or touch Armin inappropriately,” Mikasa stated. Annie said, “Don’t overthinking right now. They aren’t an item yet.”
“You'd think Mr. Smith will reject Armin?” Eren sounded disbelief. Mikasa added in the same tone, “Why would he reject Armin?”
“Yet. She said yet,” Bertolt backed Annie up. Reiner suggested, “We should see the situations first.”
The rest nodded in silent agreement. Eren determined, “We should help Armin.”
–000–
Erwin smiled at Armin. “Just put it there,” he pointed at his desk on the teacher’s room. The folders in his hand, Armin put it on Erin’s desk. The teacher sat on his chair. He looked with kind smile, “Thank you for your help, Arlert.”
“Anytime, Sir,” Armin smiled back then he was back to stared at Erwin.
It wasn’t hard to notice the stare. Of course, Erwin know Armin stared at him since he introduced himself at the class. Sometimes, Armin would be in trance-like phase and stared at Erwin in silent. Like... now. He had hoped Armin will excused himself and back to the class but he just stared at Erwin.
The teacher stared back at Armin's blue eyes. His gaze was complex. Erwin couldn’t pin point exactly what those eyes had behind that gaze. He noted some admiration and respect. That was the easiest. It was expected since student usually admire or respect to the teacher. However... There was a longing as well. They... just met, right?
Did they’ve met before and Erwin forget? The older blond doubt that. Armin was the smartest kid he ever met. He could talk to the boy without need to worry the other party understand or not. He was well mannered and well behaved. A trait which was rare in teenagers nowadays. Erwin doubt he would forgot the boy if he met him before. So, why the longing on the blue eyes?
Another thing was... guilt.
Why? Why guilt?
“Arlert,” Erwin put his right hand on the boy shoulder, “are you alright?”
Armin's blue eyes slughisly turned to his left shoulder where Erwin's palm rest. Those blue eyes watering quickly and bawled his eyes out. Erwin bewildered. “Is it hurt? Do you hurt your shoulder and I touch it?” He retrieved his hand but Armin's both hands clasped that right hand.
“Arlert?”
Armin stuttered as he wept quietly, “Y-you have y-your right hand....”
Erwin blinked. The boy wept on Erwin's right hand as if he was relief beyond words. Erwin stood up and realized the other teachers looked at them now so he pulled Armin's hand gently. “Come here,” Erwin lead them to the consultation room.
After he closed the consultation room, he faced the boy who still clasped Erwin’s right hand. “Arlert,” Erwin called him gently. “Why are you crying?”
Armin looked up with those tears on his face, painful expression. As if the burden on his back crushed him, “I-I... Want to say... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry....”
Erwin froze.
That pain was real. He could saw it all over Armin's face. That moment, whatever Armin had in his mind was real. The trauma. Something eaten the boy from the inside. Erwin didn’t know what it was but he deduced it related to himself or someone who looked like him. Possibly, lost right arm. It won’t be good if he denied the pain. He read it in book. For someone to move on from their trauma, they need to accept it first. Acknowledged by himself and/or the environment as well.
Erwin made a decision, he patted Armin's blond hair as he said calmly, “I forgive you, Armin Arlert. I never blame you...”
Armin gradually calmed down despite his tears still present. There was indescribable relief washed through him after he heard that. Erwin didn’t know but he sensed Armin needed to hear those words from him. It looked like he made the right decision if the tears tone down rapidly was any indication. Armin slowly put both his hand around Erwin's Torso to hugged him.
Erwin wide-eyed looked down at the boy who hugged him.
“Thank you...” Armin said gratefully. He closed his eyes, “Thank you...”
Erwin... didn’t know what to say. His hands hovered around the boy's petite figure. His consciousness told him it would be inappropriate for him to hug a student. In secret like this. It would be like they had something was going on. His train of thought was halted when they heard the bell for the next class.
He decided to put his hands on the boy's shoulder gently. “You should go to your next class,” he said softly.
“Class?” Armin opened his eyes quickly. He blinked as if he just realized there was no distance between his face and Erwin's body. He turned his head up to locked eyes with icy blue eyes. Slowly but surely Armin's face turned as red as tomato.
“I'm sorry!” He released his hand immediately. The look of horror on his face, “I'm sorry, Sir... I don’t know why I... To you...”
“It's alright, Arlert,” Erwin reassured. “You were distressed. Are you okay now?”
Armin nodded, “I am... I...”
Another bell reminded him, “I've got class. I'm sorry, again.” Then, Armin bolted away from the consultation room without eye contact. As Erwin saw Armin's back, it looked familiar. Someone with the same figure like Armin.
“Did... I met him before?” Erwin doubt himself.
–000–
The next day, everything has changed. Armin... couldn’t looked at Erwin in the eye anymore. He embarrassed for what happened in consultation room yesterday. He couldn’t explained. Armin felt incredibly sadness and guilt whenever he saw Erwin. He didn’t know the reason. He wanted forgiveness from Erwin for something he have no knowledge of.
He was sure Erwin saw him as lunatic after yesterday.
He bawled his eyes out for no reason. Wait, he remembered he felt relief to touch Erwin's right hand. Why did he felt that? Somehow, he remembered Erwin lost his right arm. Where? When? Definitely not now. Was it... ‘Commander Erwin’? The one in his dream?
“It's Mr. Smith,” Mikasa on Armin's right side. Armin turned his head where Mikasa pointed out. The tree teenagers stood in front of the class door. Erwin walked to their class. When those icy blue eyes met Armin's one, Armin averted his gaze then ran to get inside their class. Eren and Mikasa who was beside him were puzzled.
Erwin saw that. He shared the same sentiment with Eren and Mikasa.
The History Class began.
It went... Uneventful? Well, a certain smart student busy writing anything on his note and never looked at the teacher. Not only Erwin, the classmates also noticed how quiet Armin was. His eyes on the book. Never made any sound as if he didn’t want anyone notice him at all. Erwin thought Armin maybe embarrassed about yesterday so he didn’t say anything to save the student from further embarrassment.
However, the class of 104 didn’t have the same thought.
–000–
“Armin, what happened?” Eren asked after the school ended and they were on their way out of the class.
“About what?” Armin asked.
Mikasa elaborated, “The last few days you've been staring at Mr. Smith whenever you see him. You were so active in History Class. Now, you avoid any eye contact with him.”
“Oh...”
Armin looked down in silent. Eren and Mikasa waited. Well, the other member of class 104 behind the trio also waited. They were curious. Few seconds were in silent until they left the school building.
“I... hugged Mr. Smith yesterday...” Armin admitted softly.
“What?!” The whole class of 104 bulged their eyes out. He is being bold, thought the classmates.
They dragged Armin to Yeager’s home instantly. Eren's family were not home. Eren's father was a doctor and his mother was a nurse. Both of them rarely at home. Mikasa stayed in Yaeger's family home because her parents traveled all around the world as archeologist. Mikasa's parents were Dr. Grisha Yaeger’s best friend.
They sat in the living room. Snacks were on the table, Armin sat between Eren and Mikasa while the others sat on the floor or the sofa which faced the blond.
“Why don’t you tell us from the beginning, Armin?” Historia said gently. She sat in front of Armin.
Armin told them what happened yesterday. He omitted his dream about someone who looked alike with their teacher. It was unbelievable enough for him, he thought himself going crazy. He ended his story with a deep sigh, “I don’t why I was crying or even hugged Mr. Smith... I don’t even know why I miss him. I can’t explain it.”
The classmates deduced : Armin doesn’t realize he is falling in love with Mr. Smith. He loves him so much he doesn’t realize it.
“What did he said?” Annie asked. She sat on Historia's right side. Ymir on the left side.
“He said he forgave me and never blame me,” a small smile on Armin's lips told the classmates Armin might have a chance. Armin covered his face with both hands, “Mr. Smith must be thinking I'm crazy. I think... I am.”
He admitted, “I can’t look at him. I'm afraid...”
Mikasa patted Armin's back. The Asian girl asked, “Did... Mr. Smith hugs you back yesterday?”
Armin turned his head to Mikasa. “No,” Armin asked, “Why?”
Ymir repeated, “So, you hugged him but he didn’t hugged you back?”
“Yes,” Armin replied. He didn’t follow, “Why do you ask?”
The others exchanged glances with each other but didn’t elaborated. Armin looked at all his friends. “Am I missing something here?” he puzzled.
Eren patted Armin’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, we will help you to get him, Armin.”
The others nodded but Armin still confused.
“Say wha—”
–000–
Another day passed, Armin still avoid Erwin. After days being stared at and now the opposite happened, Erwin must admitted he was affected. He was concerned about the boy. His dream last night didn’t help at all. Erwin dreamed about a young cadet. Similar figure like... Armin. Soft spoken blond young cadet who called Erwin... ‘Commander’.
Erwin sighed.
“Trouble in paradise, Smith?” A voice from the desk beside him said. They were in teacher's room.
Erwin turned to his friend, Nile Dok. He noted, “Haven’t seen your pet student today.”
“Pet student?” Erwin asked.
“That blond boy who always stare at you,” Nile pointed out. Erwin surprised his colleague knew. Nile laughed, “Who doesn’t know?”
Erwin couldn’t argue. Armin staring at him was... quite intense. Impossible to ignore. “He is not my pet student,” Erwin clarified. He didn’t want Armin to have bad reputation.
“Oh?” Nile raised an eyebrow. “Then, who is he to you?”
Erwin stated, “He is my student. Just a normal student.”
His collague smirked, “The more you deny the more it sounds like you are in denial, Erwin.”
That moment, a door was opened. Eren and Mikasa were there. Eyes on Erwin. Nile commented, “Uh, oh. It's your pet student's bodyguards. You’re in trouble.”
“Bodyguards?”
Nile gave Erwin introduction of the two, “Eren is famous being trouble maker. Mikasa is actually the one who finish the job. You mess with Armin Arlert, no one get unscathed.” Nile put his hand on Erwin's shoulder, “My condolences. Nice to know you, Erwin.”
“What?” Erwin blinked.
Nile ended his farewell, “Rest in peace, my friend.”
Erwin didn’t have a chance to ask more because Eren and Mikasa were in front of him. “Yaeger, Ackerman,” he called them.
“Mr. Smith,” Eren said, “We have questions for you.”
“About my lesson?”
Mikasa denied, “No.”
“I see,” Erwin stood up from his chair. “Let’s talk outside.”
–000–
“What do you want to ask me?” asked Erwin to the students.
“It’s about Armin,” Mikasa stated.
“What about him?” Erwin said cautiously.
Eren—being Eren, mind you— straight to the point asked, “What do you think of Armin?”
Erwin stunned at the two. He blinked once. Twice. It was lunch break but he did hear them right. He asked back, “What do you mean what do I think about him?” He was a bit loss here. He genuinely asked, “What’s wrong with Arlert?”
This time, the two student were astonished. Mikasa said, “He assume you think he is crazy after...”
“I take it he told you two about the other day?”
The students nodded. Armin told the whole class but since the teacher didn’t ask, he didn’t need to know. Erwin sighed. “He was distressed. I don’t know why but I don’t think less of him. I still think Arlert is a good student. The other day incident hasn’t change my opinion of him.”
“A good student?” Eren repeated. Mikasa asked, “Only as a good student?”
“He is the smartest kid I ever teach.”
“And?” Eren insisted.
“I don’t think Arlert is crazy.”
“And?” Mikasa turned to pressed the matter.
Erwin looked at the two carefully. He didn’t have the clue, “And... I'm not following you. I thought I answer your question.”
Mikasa informed him, “He said he misses you.”
“He did?” Erwin surprised.
Eren warned with a murderous glare, “If you hurt him...”
“Hurt him? Why would I—”
Mikasa interrupted, “So, you won’t reject him?”
“Reject? Wh—” Erwin summarized their conversation in his head and realization dawned upon him. “Oh.”
“Now, you get it?” Eren unimpressed.
Erwin tried to reasoned, “Maybe you two misunderstand the situation.”
Mikasa firmly said, “We've been with him since childhood. We know Armin. There is no other way to explain his behavior to you.”
Eren confirmed, “He never behaves like this to other people or other teachers. Only you.”
Erwin thought there was misunderstanding here but the students firmly believed it. He had doubt it but these two came to him directly and they were the closest person to Armin. As a teacher, it won’t be good to dismissed it. He have to take it seriously.
“So, what's your answer?” Eren being impatient.
“If that's what Arlert feels, I should be talking to him. Not you two.” The students offended. Erwin reminded them, “No matter how close three of you, it's not wise to talk about it without him present. Does he know the two of you are here now?” Threatening me, was left unsaid but Erwin got the message accrosed.
“Ugh,” Eren scowled. He glanced at Mikasa who returned the same glance. “He doesn’t know, am I right?” Erwin assumed. “I get it. You two means well. But, if we are talking about Arlert’s feeling here, which you think he has feelings for me, I don’t want to discuss it any further unless he is present. Or he talk to me directly about it.”
Mikasa asked, “You want to talk to Armin about it?”
“If he want me to.”
Eren being suspicious, “You won’t hurt Armin?”
Erwin shook his head, “I have no intention to hurt him.”
The two students whispered to each other before Eren talked again, “Alright, we will tell Armin.”
–000–
“Mr. Smith want to talk to me?” Armin shocked. Once again, the class of 104 were in Yaeger's living room.
“If you want him to,” Mikasa replied. Eren added, “He doesn’t think you’re crazy. He thinks you were distressed.”
“It's a good sign,” Annie commented. Historia nodded. Ymir ordered, “Talk to him, Armin.”
“B-but... I can’t face him, I don’t know what to talk. How do I explain it to him?” Armin frowned deeply. “What should I say?”
“Maybe... Just be honest with him?” Bertolt suggested. Reiner seconded, “There is nothing wrong with being honest.”
Armin looked at them. Contemplated. He was being irrational to the new teacher. He should explained to him. He owed Erwin that much. Connie suggested, “How about we will come with you?”
Historia aggred, “You don’t have to face it alone.” She smiled gently, “We will be with you.”
Oh, Goddess...
Jean smiled, “We can give him a private lesson if it's going south. Right, Eren?”
Eren nodded seriously, “Don’t doubt me.”
Armin sweatdropped, I actually don’t, Eren.
Mikasa seriously added, “Nobody will find the body.”
Armin gaped, “Wha—”
Ymir covered Historia's ears as she commented, “We will be your alibis.”
“I have a secluded place to bury the remains,” Annie said. Reiner offered, “We should provide shovels in advance to that place, Annie.” Bertolt agreed, “It will be efficient.”
“G-guys...?” Armin stuttered at his friends. The only distraction to that was the munching sounds of Sasha eating nachos.
“Are you in, Sasha?” Connie asked.
“As long as there is food, count me in,” Sasha replied.
Armin dumbfounded. He prayed for Erwin's safety from the bottom of his heart.
–000–
Through Eren and Mikasa, Armin had the date and the place to met Erwin on Sunday. They choose a book cafe (Titan book cafe) far from school's area to avoid any people from schools. The member of class 104 scattered in and outside of the cafe. They wore wireless earphone on each one to communicate, except Armin. The boy was speechless with his friends preparation. It would like they wanted to catch a criminal rather than accompany a friend to talk.
“Okay, I've heard of everyone,” Historia talked to her earphone. Confirmed they were ready. She sat on the MPV car parked at the cafe. Ymir beside her. She asked, “Eyes on target?”
[ Negative ]
Armin who was in the MPV looked at his friends in awe. There was CCTV planted inside the cafe. From here, Historia and Ymir can saw several angels. Everything was provided by Historia. She was the youngest daughter of Reiss. Royal Family. Armin asked them softly, “Do you guys have to do this?”
“Would you do the same to us if we were in your position?” Ymir asked.
“I guess so...”
Historia smiled, “Then, don’t ask again.”
Armin smiled timidly but short-lived because Annie said through intercome :
[ Our target has just arrived ]
All eyes on the screen in front of Historia. They saw Erwin with autumn casual outfit parked his motorcycle. No tie and white t-shirt like at school. Leather jacket, white shirt and black long pants. Eren opened the door of MVP. “He's here,” he announced. Armin asked, “All of you will listening to us?”
Mikasa who stood beside Eren said, “No. We will give you privacy. You are not wearing any device and no camera on any table inside. Our team will be around two or three table from you two. But, if you need our help, raise your hand above your head.”
“Wha-what kind of help do you guys think that I need?” Armin asked hesitantly.
Eren firmly said, “Anything, Armin. We’ll be ready.”
Armin would felt this kind of attention warm his heart but after their last discussion, he felt scared more than anything. Will their new teacher came out of this meeting alive?
–000–
“Mr. Smith,” Armin called hesitantly.
“Arlert,” Erwin put down his phone on the table. He saw Armin wore green shirt with long sleeve and white pants. “Please, sit.”
Armin sat on the chair opposite of Erwin. The teacher picked the table on the corner back. The wall was on Erwin's left side. Away from pry eyes. The camera from Armin's squad was on the back of Erwin but a bit far. They ordered drinks from the waitress and stayed in silence ever since. Minutes passed, even the waitress put down their drinks already.
“You should drink first,” Erwin suggested. “It might calm you down.”
Armin complied to calmed his nerves. He was so scared. His hands shaked when he put down the mug. Erwin saw that. He said softly, “Take your time.”
Armin looked at him, Erwin smiled calmly, “Whenever you are ready, I'll listen everything you want to say.”
“Mr. Smith...” Armin touched by Erwin’s thoughtfulness. It made Armin thought he was being childish and he owed him explanation. Armin closed his eyes and took a deep breathe. “Thank you for coming here, Mr. Smith.”
Erwin nodded, all his attention on the boy.
“I... was being emotional to you other day. I don’t know why. I...” he owed him the truth, “... It’s sounds crazy but the night before you start teaching in our class... I... I... dreamt of you.”
Erwin frowned slightly, “The night before we've met in your class?”
Armin nodded, “In my dream, there was someone who looked like you, Mr. Smith. Exactly like you. That's why I... can’t help but staring at you. I keep wondering why you were in my dream even before I met you. It's confusing.”
Erwin began to understand, “So, that's why you keep staring at me.” It made sense now.
“In that dream, you... only have your left arm and you died. I don’t know how but I mourned you. I feel guilty. I don’t know guilty of what. It seems like you've died because of me or something,” Armin looked at Erwin with deep sorrow. “That feeling become stronger the other day and I...”
Erwin said softly, “... That's why you broke down...”
Armin nodded, “I'm sorry...”
Both of them looked at the table. That was what Erwin saw in Armin's eyes. Armin dreamt of Erwin. In truth, Erwin dreamt of Armin too. After the hug the other day. Well, someone who looked alike. A soft spoken blond young cadet...
“Commander...”
Erwin widened his eyes, “Come again?”
Armin said, “In my dream, I called you that. ‘Commander Erwin’.”
The older blond gasped lightly. Armin looked up at him to found the teacher looked like he was caught off guard. “Mr. Smith?”
Erwin stared at Armin. Disbelief but he thought over it once again his mind. How did Armin know? In his dream... Erwin opened his lips but closed it again. Armin puzzled. He had to ask. Erwin said, “You may not believe this but I... dreamt of you on the day you broke down.”
“You were?” Armin surprised.
Erwin nodded seriously. “A young cadet. Exactly like you. He called me—”
A slow look of realization dawned over Armin's face, “—Commander Erwin.”
Erwin nodded again. Armin was thunderstruck. Erwin asked, “I never told anyone. Have you told anyone?”
“No.”
“Not even Yaeger and Ackerman?”
Armin shook his head, “No. I thought It's only a dream. It’s still vague to me to even describe it. I only tell you this so I can clarified my broke down the other day. I'm not making this up.”
“I know you are not. I never told anyone about the cadet in my dream.”
“But, we—”
Erwin nodded grimly, “Safe to say, we were dreaming the same thing. ‘The Cadet’ in my dream and ‘The Commander’ in yours.”
“Why?” Armin couldn’t believe. “We've never met before...”
Erwin honestly admitted, “I don’t know.” They were busy with their own thoughts. Both looked at their table in deep thoughts. At first, they thought it was only a dream but... how can their dreams seemed connected? What was the odd? The craziest explanation here would be...
“Is it possible we... lived together in our past life?” Armin muttered, he looked at Erwin, “Not together together, I mean like—we were born in the same era. I was a cadet and you were my commander?”
Erwin admitted, “That’s possible. No other explanation why our dreams connected.”
Armin nodded, he sighed in relief, “I have to admit, I'm glad I follow my friend's advice to talk and be honest with you.”
“Your friends?” On the corner of his eyes, Erwin saw a class member of Armin's. Annie. A few table behind Armin, there was Jean. He did thought he saw Eren and Mikasa on the parking lot. It seemed he didn’t imagine it. Several other was here too. The whole class was here. “They are... good friends.”
Armin smiled.
After he thought about it, Erwin said, “Since you are being honest with me. I'm going to be honest with you.”
Armin listened carefully.
“Yaeger and Ackerman came to me to tell me not to hurt you. They thought... you’re in love with me.”
Armin’s face blanched with horror, “They what—?”
Erwin nodded, “They don’t know about the dream, do they? They said they never saw your behavior like this to anyone. Only to me.”
“True, that’s because of the dream—”
“I'm understand.” Erwin leaned forward and gestured Armin to do the same. He said in low voice, “Your friends are here, aren’t they? I see severals around us right now. Yaeger and Ackerman are somewhere in here too, right?”
Armin sighed in defeated, “Yes, they all here. I'm sorry, Mr. Smith.”
Erwin asked warily, “Will I be alive after this? They seems like ready to attack me any moment now.”
“Of course you will be ! I won’t let you die!” Armin frowned. “I... I have the impression from my dream that the Commander die for something. Maybe they were in war and have to survive or what—I don’t know—but... I had this feeling if it's not because of the reason to survive for whatever—the Cadet me in the dream would follow the Commander to die. He... wanted the Commander to live.” He added with thick emotion, “I can’t see you die...”
The pain back. It was all over Armin's face. It seemed like the cadet's sorrow remained in Armin's soul. Erwin patted Armin's left shoulder, “I get it. Don’t worry.”
Armin nodded. Erwin asked, “Do you have plan?”
“Plan?”
“Do you think your friends will believe about our dreams if you explain to them?”
“They...” Armin gave a thought and replied gloomy face, “...might think you’re using the dream as a reason to reject me and they might think my dream is happens because I have romantic feelings for you.”
Erwin nodded, “We are on the same page.”
“What should I tell them?” Armin muttered to himself.
“Any other explanation might end with my funeral,” Erwin concluded, “Unless... We've become boyfriends.”
Blue eyes locked to each other, Armin was shocked, “....What?!”
“They explicitly told me to not hurt you—I have no intention, I assure you—unless you told them we are dating, I don’t think I will see another day.”
Armin gaped.
“Of course, if you find someone else later, I won’t hold you against your will. You are free to go,” Erwin said. “As long as you are the one who ‘dump’ me, I don’t think your friends will hurt me. They just want you to be happy.”
“B-but, Sir, it's not fair to you.”
“At least, I will live,” Erwin smiled. “You’re young, Arlert. You will find someone later. I doubt your friends believed you will settle with an old man like me for life.”
“You’re not old, Sir. You’re still in your 20s,” Armin said honestly. Erwin chuckled, “I'm flattered.”
Armin blushed.
“What do you say?” Erwin put out his hand towards, “Will you date me to help me stay alive, Cadet Armin?”
Armin gasped. In his dream, The Commander died. Left The Cadet feel remorse —presumably—even after death and reborn in Armin now. The thought of the older blond dead was terrifiying. Armin put his hand on Erwin's palm. He nodded seriously, “I will date you, Commander Erwin. I won’t let you die this time.”
Erwin squezzed Armin's finger in his gently, “Let's tell them.”
–000–
“They are coming,” Eren announced the others through inthercome. The others moved steadily to follow the new ‘couple’. Mikasa noted, “They are holding hands.”
[ Aye, we can see that. ]
Erwin lead Armin to the outside of the cafe. After they were out, Eren and Mikasa stepped out from their position and walked to the couple. Erwin feigned a faint surprised, “Yaeger, Ackerman. You've come too.”
Eren and Mikasa looked at Erwin unimpressed. Those two were the one who decided the place and the time. As if they will miss this. Mikasa asked, “So, I take it you two are a couple now?”
Erwin smiled calmly and Armin blushed hard as he looked down at their hands. The others now gathered around them. Erwin noticed the full member of Class 104 were here.
“Everyone is here,” Erwin said. They made a small circle faced the blond couple.
“Armin?” Eren asked.
He looked at his best friend and all of his classmates then looked up at Erwin who beside him. He blushed and nodded to all his friends, “Yes, we are a couple.”
The reaction was fantastic. Everyone smiled and congratulated both of them. Genuinely. All of them treat Armin dearly. Erwin could see they were close more than friends. They were like family to the young blond. Precious family. That moment, Erwin realized how close he was to death. If Armin was crying and said Erwin rejected him, Erwin had no doubt he won’t be standing here. Alive. Class 104 treasured Armin greatly.
Well, who can blame them?
Personally, Erwin understood the sentiment. He thought Armin was charming. Sweet. Lovable. It made people protective of Armin. Given time, it won’t hard for anyone to fall in love with the young blond. Including Erwin too. He realized it because he knew he was getting there quicker than his intention. Could he stopped his feelings? Erwin have to give it a thought.
“Can I have your attention, Class?” Erwin asked, he lead them to the park beside the parking lot of the cafee. Fewer people in the park so Erwin started talking, “All of you, I have to ask you to keep this as secret.”
“Why?” Connie asked.
Annie accused, “Are you ashame being with Armin?”
“No.” Erwin clarified, “I'm your teacher. He is my student. You are young so you may don’t know but society is not exactly accept student-teacher relationship. Our age gap is not something to be ignore. I maybe get fired if the school know. I can handle that. But, Armin will be affected too. Do you get it?”
The students focused on their teacher.
“His reputation will be ruined. This is not something I take lightly. One mistake from all of us here, one slip of tongue, I might be in jail and Armin's future crumbles by society. Do you understand what I'm saying?” Erwin faced them seriously.
“Sir, yes, sir!” They answered like young cadets should be. Armin stunned at his friends. Indeed, Erwin have the vibe as commander but their reaction was unbelievable. Erwin continued, “If anyone else know I'm dating a student, put your priority on Armin. At least, NEVER let his identity become known. Protect Armin's reputation at all cost. Am I clear?”
The whole Class 104 astonished. The rest of them thought Erwin loved Armin deeply to sacrifice himself if anything jeopardize this relationship. He wanted Armin to be protected. Nothing harmed Armin. However, Armin... saw ‘Commander’ again in Erwin. His heart hurts. Armin wanted to say something but Historia beat him first.
“Mr. Smith,” Historia walked to the front of her friends. She said, “If anything happens about this, I will try to do damage control in our school. I will do anything in my power to protect Armin and you, Sir.”
“Miss Reiss,” Erwin greeted the shortest girl in class. Historia Reiss was the youngest daughter of Royal Family Reiss. The same family become the founder of Paradise School. If anything happened, Historia held the power to prevent the worst. “Queen Historia of Paradise Senior High School,” Erwin bowed politely at the girl, “Your reputation precedes you, My Lady.”
The class of 104 gasped at the same time
“A-ah, Mr. Smith, you don’t have to bow to me, I'm not a Queen,” Historia blushed. “My sister is The Queen.”
Historia was Royal blood but she was the daughter from the mistress. Naturally, adults thought of Historia as the stain in Royal Family. Unlike her oldest sister, Frieda Reiss. The current Queen. Frieda welcomed Historia warmly to the family after her mother, the mistress, dead. Usually, adults bowed to Historia only in formal events where she accompany The Queen. Never outside like this. Never without the present of Queen Frieda.
Yet, this man bowed and respected Historia like she was a Queen.
Erwin straightened his back, “You are Her Majesty’s sister. I respect you, My Lady, because I respect Queen Frieda as well. How could I not bow to you?”
Class 104 never met a man like Erwin Smith. Respectful and well-mannered. The students looked at him in awe. Historia never had that much respect from adults in her castle. She would definitely mentioned about her teacher the next time she meet Frieda.
Historia smiled at the young blond, “You've chosen well, Armin.”
Armin blushed again as the others murmured agreement. Eren was the first one to seconded Historia's statement earlier, “I will protect you and Armin, Sir. No one will know about you two.”
“Me too,” Mikasa said. The others follow with the same determination.
Erwin didn’t expect that. He expected they would protect Armin but Erwin wasn’t in the same equation. Did something happened which made him being protected too? Erwin looked down at Armin due to he seemed missed something here. About the change attitude of the class of 104 from wanted to kill him, now protecting him too.
Armin smiled at his friends. It seemed like Erwin didn’t have to be in relationship with Armin to escape death. Erwin has this pull to made others respected and obeyed him undoubtedly. Commander through and through.
Armin looked gently at Erwin with a nod. It seemed like Armin took his friends being genuine not to prank the teacher. Believed in his 'boyfriend's insight, Erwin put his hand on Armin's shoulder and said to the other, “Thanks for having our backs, you all.”
The others smiled. Then, they were having a spontan picnic together to celebrate the new couple.