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Armin sat on the sand with Zeke. They were in the Path and talked about the Eldian fate. Both of them has come to agreement about all of this.
“I can’t help but thinking... If he’s still alive, will the rumbling taken place? Will this end differently?” Armin wondered out loud.
Zeke asked, “Who?”
“My late Commander. Erwin Smith,” Armin told Zeke about the circumstances Levi had 4 years ago during Zeke’s last raid in Paradis Island. “He should be the one who live. He will make differences.”
Zeke contemplated, then his eyes turned to the little girl not far from them. Founder Ymir. “Why don’t we try what differences this Commander of yours will make?” Zeke said.
“What?” Armin blinked. “He died. 4 years ago. Founder Ymir has Goddess-like power but she can’t revives the dead one.”
“She can prevent his death,” Zeke pointed out. Armin puzzled, “How?”
“By sending you to that time and tell him about this future. Let’s see the choice he'll take.”
Wide blue eyes filled in disbelief but it wasn’t impossible. Path connected to all Eldians without time limit. If Founder Ymir wanted it, certainly it possible. Armin turned his head to the little girl.
“Founder Ymir,” Zeke said to her, “Would you mind to send this Eren's friend to the past?”
Silence followed. Zeke rose on his feet. Walked towards her, he added, “I'm not asking this just because I have Royal's blood. I won’t say I understand what’s you’re going through. I'm sure it’s true Eren understand you but,” Zeke down on his knees in front of Ymir with head on the sand, bow deeply, “on the behalf of my ancestors, especially King Fritz I—”
The little girl seemed surprised with the sight of the Royal descendant, Zeke, kneeled in front of her.
“—I apologize for what we did to you from the bottom of my hearts. I'm sorry for all you've been through.”
A tears fell from Founder Ymir's eyes. She connected to all Eldians. Especially, Royal descendants. Through this connection, she knew Zeke meant it. The Yaeger's tears fell on the sands. Those words and the sincerity. Something she never had from all previous Royal descendants. Something she hoped from her beloved King Fritz I.
Unlike Zeke who seemed reside in Path for several years already, Armin who just being told the story about Founder Ymir didn’t fully grasp the depth this action has. The little girl only let her tears fell quietly before she moved. Her face turned to Armin, then her body walked towards him. She stopped in front of Armin.
Founder Ymir raised her hand out to Armin. He knew she will do it. Armin turned his eyes to the Royal descendants, “Thanks. And maybe this is the last time we talk in Path but my name is Armin. Eren’s big brother.”
Zeke raised his head and turned to him. “Good bye, Armin,” Zeke bade him farewell. They knew Zeke will let himself being killed by Levi after this. Rumbling will stop. Armin nodded, “Farewell, Zeke.”
He cautiously reached out and placed his hand on Founder Ymir’s little hand. Everything turned black. But, hopefully, there will be brighter future than this.
–000–
“Armin,” he heard someone called him. 15 years old boy blinked and found he sat on the ground. He scanned around. There was Jean. 15 years old Jean tried to called his horses. Armin touched his hair and it is longer. Like 4 years ago.
“Are you okay?” That voice!
He snapped his head to the back and found Reiner behind him. “You must be hit your head hard enough and zone out,” Reiner said. “I wrapped your head with bandages.”
Armin touched his forehead, there was bandage all over his head. Again, his blue eyes scanned the situation. He knew this moment. “Female Titan...” Armin muttered.
“Yeah, Female Titan ran off,” Reiner mumbled. Armin gave him side eye. Reiner and Jean talked about the horses. At this moment, no one knew the truth of Female Titan, Colossal Titan and Armored Titan. Founder Ymir sent him in right moment. He was in the body of his 15-years-old. Armin already in Scout Regiment and have access to talk directly with Commander Erwin. He will tell him the truth this time and changed the future.
But, now, they waited for someone to bring the horse. Most likely...
“Look! She brings two horses!” Jean exclaimed. “Krista!”
–000–
They stood on the branch of Titan Forest. Looking down at the Titans below. What should he do now? Commander Erwin inside of this forest and prepared an attack on Annie. Should he go there now or wait until they back to Karanes?
No.
It has been long enough. He couldn’t waste another seconds. “I'm going to find Commander Erwin!” Armin took off and left Jean's side who jaw dropped at how magnificent Armin's skill by taking off quickly with ODM gears. The others gaped with the same thought.
“Since when Armin so skillful—”
—000—
Armin heard the fire attacked and it must be the sound Annie being trapped. Rapidly swung, Armin found Female Titan with wire all over her body. He saw Captain Levi on top of Female Titan's head. Armin knew what she will do.
He screamed, “DON’T LET HER SCREAM!”
Armin has been closed enough to Levi and Female Titans. Everyone turned their heads at Armin who prepared his swords ready.
“SHE WILL CALL OTHER TITANS HERE WITH HER SCREAM AND RUN AWAY!”
Not to be told twice, Levi moved and sliced the jaw along with tongue of Female Titans. Armin surprised how fast Levi was. In this prime time of Levi Ackerman, he was faster than the ones in the future. Age does matter. Armin stopped at branch where Erwin stood. The Commander genuinely surprised. Armin looked up at him with unshed tears. Commander still alive. He felt unbelievable relief.
“You are...” Commander blinked the young scout.
“Armin Arlert, Sir. New recruitment from 104th Cadet Corps.” Armin saluted at him with fist above his heart. “I apologize I left my position but I believe I have information about Female Titan.”
The Commander didn’t have the time to consider whether it was true or not. Mostly, they didn’t have the luxury of that. He asked, “What do you know, Arlert?”
“Female Titan are comrade of Colossal Titan and Armored Titan.” Armin declared, “Three of them are from the same training squad with me and Eren Yeager, Sir.”
“You know who these three?” Erwin asked with a serious frown.
“I do. I know who they are and where they’re come from,” Armin replied with the same seriousness. Erwin didn’t expected that but again, they have no time to dwell on things. Erwin turned his attention back to Female Titan, “She hardened her hand and around her nape. Any idea how we capture her without killing?”
“For now, we should let Captain Levi cut the arms and legs. If the nape hardened, cut the face,” Armin analyzed. Erwin impressed with the assessment. He himself thought the same.
“Levi! Mike!” Erwin commanded his best soldiers. “Cut her arms and legs. Avoid his nape so we can capture the person behind it alive.”
Levi and Mike moved at the same time. Skillfully, they cutted the arms and legs. As predicted, the nape hardened. The two eldian's soldiers destroyed the face of Female Titan. Saw all of this, Armin confirmed his feelings towards Annie was actually only Bertolt's lingering feelings because Armin was Colossal Titan after him. He didn’t have unnecessary excruciating feelings to witness his beloved person being attacked or longing for Annie like he did in the future. Annie was his friend but just that. Right now, he has no special feelings to the girl.
Annie didn’t have time to healed after all the body being destroyed. With precise cut of Levi, only the nape of Female Titan left. Levi and Mike slashed it together. It was hardened but they saw something moving out from beneath it. Armin noticed the movement and all of them saw someone with Scout Regiment's hoodie moved away with ODM gear.
“She run!” Armin screamed and followed Annie’s traces immediately. Levi and Mike hot on the heels of Annie’s. They didn’t knew the girl but no other scout wearing hoodie right now, only this one who ran away. Erwin commanded the others to follow in order to pursuit Female Titan.
Not long after this pursuit, Levi and Mike getting closer. Annie knew this and she transformed into Female Titan again in front of everyone but her hoodie still on so no one exactly saw her. Armin frowned, “Captain Levi! Where is Eren?”
Levi a bit surprised the new recruitment brat called him casually. Well, he still being called with his title but the tone was as if this brat familiar with Levi already. “He safe with my team.”
“Female Titan's target is Eren.” The superiors around Armin heard that and surprised this boy know. Only severals superior knew. Armin turned his head to Erwin who swung with his ODM gear beside him, “Commander, we should let Eren fight Female Titan.”
“We can’t win against Female Titan with our human soldiers,” Erwin noted. Armin nodded, “It will only send them to their death. Let Eren fight her then we assist Eren.”
Erwin commanded, “Levi. Signals your team to our position.”
“Seriously, Erwin? You listen to this brat?” Levi who swung in front of the blonds raised an eyebrow. Erwin didn’t say anything but his wordless stare spoke volumes. Levi knew Erwin won’t changed his order and fire up his signal flare. They maintained the pace behind Female Titan until they saw Levi's team with Eren on horse. Female Titan noticed Eren too.
“EREN!” Erwin shouted. The boy looked up and found the Commander ordered him, “TRANSFORM AND FIGHT FEMALE TITAN!”
“Y-YES, SIR!” Eren prepared to bite his hand.
“ALL TEAMS! STAY BACK AND STAY SHARP!” Erwin landed in one tree the moment Eren transformed. The others followed his order. Armin landed in the same branch with Erwin. Levi, Mike and Hanji on the tree beside the blond's. They all saw Eren fight Female Titan.
Erwin turned his attention to the petite soldier. “Arlert,” he called him. Armin turned his body Erwin. “How do you know Female Titan's identity?”
“Female Titan first sight was on the right side of formation. My team being crushed by her,” Armin told him what happened during his ride with Reiner and Jean. About his hypothesis of this expedition goal's would be to capture the enemy within soldiers. About Marco's ODM Gear and all. “Female Titan is Annie Leonhart. She wasn’t born from this Island. She come from outside the wall.”
Wide icy blue eyes couldn’t believed the last word, “Outside the wall?”
Armin nodded. Erwin asked, “How do you know?”
“I know it's going crazy but I'm from the future, Sir. 4 years from today.” Armin looked into Erwin's eyes. “Founder Ymir sent me back to this moment. That’s why I know Female Titan's identity and all her comrades.”
“Founder Ymir...”
“The mother of Maria, Rose and Sina. The first and founding Titan, Ymir Fritz. We are subjects of Ymir,” Armin said truthfully.
Erwin knew the last part. “Subjects of Ymir,” he remembered inside Hanji's report about Ilse Langbar's pocket book. It mentioned the talking abnormal Titan said about ‘Subjects of Ymir’. Now, this young boy said the exact same thing despite just being recruited. It was far-fetched Eren's friend lied considering how clueless Eren was about being a titan. Only one conclusion.
This Armin Arlert told him the truth.
The truth.
Armin stunned at the Commander. Something he never saw on the Commander before. The man decades older than him looked at him with—Armin would used this word because nothing fits— sparkled eyes. Erwin looked at Armin with an awe. A faint smiled on his face.
“This doesn’t looking good,” they heard Mike commented. Both blond turned their attention to the titans. Eren seemed losing. He lost a leg. Female Titan didn’t gave him chance to heal.
“What do we do, Erwin?” Hanji asked the Commander.
“Prepare your teams. If Female Titan hold Eren down, cut its limb and legs. Levi, Mike, don’t let her scream,” that was his order. The others complied.
Armin on his way to follows the captains but halted when Erwin called, “Arlert!”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Stay here.” Erwin's voice didn’t have a room to questioning. Armin complied and back to Erwin’s side.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Do you know the other comrades? Armored Titan and Colossal Titan's identity?” Erwin asked. Armin nodded, “Reiner Braun and Bertolt Hoover.”
“Based on what?” Erwin asked. Armin told him that the three said they from the same place in wall maria. But, it was a lie. “You can check their documents later.”
Erwin didn’t say anything. His eyes on the fighting titans. Armin looked up at him. He asked cautiously, “Do... you believe me, Commander?”
Erwin turned his head at Armin. His gaze softened albeit no expression, “I don’t have the luxury to doubt anything.”
Armin astonished. “I'll keep your words in mind,” Erwin patted Armin's on the shoulder. “We’ll talk about this again later.”
“Yes... Commander Erwin,” Armin felt touched by the trust Erwin gave. He remembered the first time he told Erwin about his doubt of Annie being the Female Titan. At that time and this time, Erwin believed him. This man... This wonderful leader didn’t deserve to die. Armin will make sure of that.
Like Erwin predicted, Female Titan hold Eren down and prepared to eat the nape part of Titan Eren. In the blink of eyes, the teams move and slashed Female Titan's body. Mike and Levi slashed the jaw and the face again. Female Titan couldn’t move, Eren Titan turned back the position. He hold her down and ripped it apart. Female Titan has no more energy to do hardening. When Eren tear the nape part and it showed Annie, Eren froze.
Levi saw the chance and sliced Annie away from the ripped part. Annie has no more limbs. She has tears on her face. The superiors tied Annie up on the mouth and everything. All teams landed on the ground, including Erwin and Armin.
Hanji thrilled and circled the girl. Armin landed on Titan Eren shoulder. “Eren, come out, it's over,” Armin said to his best friend. Eren didn’t gave reaction. Eyes on Annie being tied up. Armin went to the nape and cut it open carefully. He helped Eren out.
“Armin... I-it's Annie,” Eren blanched. Armin nodded. “It must be... Some mistake,” Eren in denial. “It... Can’t be...”
Armin shook his head, “It's no mistake, Eren. Annie is Female Titan. Her comrades are Armored Titan and Colossal Titan.”
Eren couldn’t say anything. Still shocked. Armin helped him got down and walked towards the crowd around Annie. “What’s your name, Female Titan?” Hanji asked with big smile. Annie didn’t say anything. She closed her eyes and unconscious. “Ah, she fainted,” Hanji noticed. “It must be exhausting her. Transform twice. We still don’t know her name, tho.”
“Annie...” Eren muttered her name with pain look. Hanji heard that.
“Eren, do you know her?” Hanji asked Eren. “Wait, Armin, how come you're here?”
“She is our friends. Annie Leonhart. We are from the same 104th Cadet Corps,” Armin replied when Eren too shocked to say anything. Erwin said to his men, “It’s safe to say Colossal Titan and Armored Titan maybe from the same training squad. Do not let the other new recruitments know about we caught Female Titan.”
“How we will bring him back to the Karanes without the new recruitments know?” Hanji asked.
“Commander, I have an idea how to we bring Annie back without the other two knowing,” Armin turned to Erwin with Eren still on his side.
Erwin demanded, “Tell us.”
–000–
There was signal to retreat. All teams back on their horses and rode back to the wall. The cart which brought back dead bodies of the comrades was closed with unused fabric. One of the cart with the dead bodies were Annie who still unconscious. Camouflaged as fallen soldiers. They went back to the wall with less victims due to Armin’s information from the future.
After they reached Scout Regiment HQ, new recruitments sent back to their dormitory to rest. Annie being held in basement like Eren did but different part of the castle. Armin being summoned by Erwin to the Commander's office. He knocked the door. Erwin said from the inside, “Come in.”
Armin went into the door. Erwin sat behind documents on the desk. Erwin stopped writing the report about today the moment he saw Armin. “Please, sit,” Erwin said. Armin sat on the chair opposite of the Commander. Only the desk between them. Both of them locked their gazes in silence.
“Arlert,” Erwin gave him his full attention. “I would like to know in detail about this future you’re from.”
Armin nodded then told Erwin everything he knew.
–000–
The whole night Armin talked about the four years he had. Erwin listened with keen. His eyes on Armin. When the sunrise visible on the window behind Erwin, Armin ended with, “In the end, after Zeke begged her, Founder Ymir brought me here. When I open my eyes, I'm in my 15 years old body. Then, I reached Titan Forest, I looked for you after I got there and you know the rest.”
Emotionally, Erwin delighted to know about the truth of Titan and the world. His father's theory was true after all. His dream fullfilled in unexpected ways. Logically, the reality wasn’t beautiful. All of them inside the wall was Eldian. This island was known as Paradis Island to other nations. They were a race which has ability to turn into a titan. Known as Subjects of Ymir. Founder Ymir.
“I-i'm... So-so-sorry, Co-com-man-de-de-der,” Armin stuttered with tears fall on his face. Erwin surprised to see Armin bawled his eyes out. “I-it’s should have been you who live in my fu-future...instead of m-me. I-i-i can’t b-be y-you...” Armin covered his face with both hands.
The guilt eaten this boy. Erwin could tell that much. It wasn’t pretending or an act. This young boy even if he came from the future, he just 19. Barely an adult. Erwin rose from his chair and circled the desk. Stopped beside Armin's chair. He kneeled so more or less they were on the same eye level.
“Armin Arlert,” Erwin patted the boy's head. “I don’t blame you. I'm grateful you’re the one live and tell me all this truth.” Erwin genuinely smile albeit faint one, “Thank you, Armin.”
“Commander Erwin...” Armin put his hand down. Stared at Erwin with full admiration. This man... after knowing all of this, he... “Commander!” Armin hugged Erwin's neck and cried on his shoulder.
He was so relief and grateful for Erwin being so wise about all this. That heavy burden on his shoulder crushed along with his tears and worry. He couldn’t save the humanity and his own race in his future. Armin was so desperate for someone to help him. Like anyone else in his future, he wanted that someone to be Erwin.
Erwin rarely in this position and quite unsure about what to do. However, this young man, Erwin could tell Armin was a bright teenager. Inexperience but potential. At one time in the future, they were dying together and Future Levi chose to saved Armin instead of Erwin. A young man with heart of golden. He has to faced Future Eren, his bestfriend. He chose to save humanity of the world instead of his own race. He grab the chance to turn back time and left everyone he knows for a chance of better future. At this moment, Erwin understood that decision Future Levi made.
Slowly, his hand reached up and hugged the petite figure in his arms gently. Erwin didn’t say anything and embraced Armin in serene calmness. Let the young boy cried all his worry on Erwin’s shoulder. Such a tiny body with heavy responsibility. “You did well, Armin,” Erwin said softly. Earnest and respect for the boy. “You’re so brave. I respect you from the bottom of my heart.”
Armin tightened his hug because he couldn’t articulate his feelings yet Erwin understood. Cautiously, he caressed the straight blond hair to calmed him down. They stayed in this silence and Armin's breathe calmer than before.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Moblit opened, “Good morning, Commander. I bring your breakfa—”
Moblit’s wide eyes focused at sight. Commander. Hugged. Someone.
Erwin noticed Moblit froze due to his position with the younger blond. Armin awared someone here. Reluctantly, he retrieved his hand from Erwin's body. The Commander did the same. Both of them eyed Moblit with calculated eyes. Erwin thanked him calmly, “That would be all, Moblit.”
Moblit startled, “I'm sorry, Commander. I don’t know you have company. I will bring you another set!” Moblit put the tray on the desk and bolted without looking at anyone.
The door closed. Both blonds stared at the door. Armin blushed due to what he did earlier. “I-i-i’m sorry... Commander. I just so relief and hug you...without thinking.” Armin looked down. Avoided Erwin’s eyes. “I'm sorry for being rude...”
“I don’t mind,” Armin snapped his eyes on Erwin’s icy blue eyes after he heard that. It was true. Erwin didn’t show any resentment or disgrace. Armin stunned. Erwin asked softly, “Are you alright now?”
Armin nodded in childlike way. Still in awe. Erwin patted Armin’s head and let out a tiny smile, “Good.”
Moblit entered again after knocked and saw another moment. Erwin's hand on Armin’s head. He didn’t comment and trained his eyes on the floor when he put another tray of breakfast on the desk.
“Thank you,” Erwin stood. “Moblit, please tell his squad that I give Armin Arlert permission to rest today.”
Moblit nodded, “I will, Commander.”
After the door closed once again, Armin saw Erwin back to his chair and put a tray in front of Armin. “Uhm, Sir?”
“You are up all night for telling me all of this,” Erwin gestured the food, “Have a breakfast with me then you can rest for today.”
Armin complied, “Thank you, Commander.”
They ate together in silence. After he told Erwin all the truth, Armin felt lighter. He awared he was just a kid and the responsibility he had was gigantic but by just telling Erwin, he knew it was the best decision.
Not long after the breakfast and Armin head to the door to go out, Nifa came to this office. Erwin gave him the report he wrote to the girl. She will give it to the higher-ups. Nifa caught a glimpse of Armin inside but didn’t say anything. Nifa let herself out. Then, Armin saluted to Erwin silently.
“We will talk again regarding this matter, Arlert.”
“Yes, Sir.”
–000–
“Uhm? Where is Erwin?” Hanji asked after the Commander when he was nowhere insight during lunch time. Mike who sat beside Levi, he replied, “In his office.”
“Still???” Hanji raised an eyebrow. “He's been holed up in his office after we return yesterday evening. I don’t think the report will take this much time to write. We have custody of Eren and Female Titan. What’s he’s writing there this whole time?”
“I don’t think he’s writing anything,” Moblit looked around. He whispered to his friends in the same table, “He wasn’t alone.”
“Wha—” Moblit gave Hanji a, “Shhh!”
“How do you know?” Levi asked. Moblit said, “I brought him beverages and food, remember? I went to his office this morning. He... wasn’t working when I found them inside the office.”
Hanji eyes sparkled, “He is with someone all this time and that someone isn’t one of us? It isn’t about work then! Oh! Oh! My Goddess! Finally, Erwin get someone after all these years!” Hanji turned to Moblit with big grin. “Who is it?”
“I can’t say.” Moblit said, “If he doesn’t tell us, it’s better we don’t assume anything. Maybe Commander Erwin has his own reason.”
Hanji puzzled, “Why did you bring it up if you don’t want to tell us who?”
Moblit said, “I just want us to be supportive with Commander. No matter what happens.”
“Any reason why we shouldn’t be supportive?” Mike asked. Levi also curious, “Is this...?”
Before Moblit could replied, Eren’s friends on the other side of the room had lunch in another table. Connie complained, “Why Armin getting a day off directly from Commander Erwin?”
The seniors silenced and listened with keen.
“If I remember correctly, Commander summoned him to his office yesterday and... Armin didn’t return to our room last night,” Jean whispered in suspicious way. “If you know what I mean?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
The group of 104th squad gasped. Mike, Hanji, and Levi put two and two together. A slow recognition dawned upon them. Their eyes snapped at Moblit who nodded as if they asked him silent question. They listened the juniors conversation carefully.
Ymir remembered, “Now, if I think about it, I heard seniors talking about this. Someone need do deliver the report written by Commander, when she picked up the report in his office... she said someone was there. Early in the morning!”
“I didn’t see Armin this morning and I wake up early,” Reiner added. Mikasa blanched at the conclusion, “No. It can’t be. Armin won’t...”
Ymir stated. “It’s common practice.”
“Besides, Armin's appearance is easy on the eye,” Reiner’s words made the others looked at him. “It’s true. He can pass as a girl.”
“Yeah, it’s true,” the others agreed. Mikasa stood with anger on her eyes. Sasha hold her to sat her down, “Mikasa! Where are you going!?”
“To Commander Erwin's office,” Mikasa struggled being held down by Sasha, Ymir and Krista.
“Think about Armin’s feelings, Mikasa!” Jean grabbed their attention. Krista blinked, “Armin’s feelings?”
“You weren’t there but hear me out. I think... Armin has feelings for Commander Erwin,” Jean said. Mikasa said, “What makes you said that?”
“When we were on Titan Forest, I was with Armin. We were talking about the goal of Commander’s plan. Then, he took off to found him,” Jean stared at Mikasa. “You’re his childhood friend. Have you ever see Armin doing something meaningless or reckless before?”
“No,” Mikasa replied. Jean insisted, “Then, think about it. Armin is not brainless. His written test is the best of us all. He knows his limit and all. Yet, he took off to found Commander Erwin in Titan Forest. Alone. Disregard the order to stay. None of us do it. Not even you, Mikasa. You didn’t left your position to find Eren, did you?”
Mikasa replied, “No...”
“See? And you would die for Eren anytime. Does that tell you something about Armin? He risk his life to found Commander at that time. We know Armin isn’t suicidal maniac like Eren,” Jean emphasized, “I'm telling you, Armin must be in love with Commander Erwin.”
Moblit gasped. Mike, Hanji and Levi froze.
Krista’s opinion was, “I think Armin wouldn’t stay all night doing something he doesn’t want. Even if it’s higher-ups. He defends Eren against all odds. He has courage in him. He always has. If he didn’t return last night...it must be because he wanted it. Not obligated to Commander.”
Bertolt commented, “Actually... this morning I went back to our room because I forget something. Armin... was sleeping there. He looks exhausted. And he... he's calling Commander Erwin in his dream.”
“No doubt, then,” Ymir stated. The rest of them nodded. Sasha asked worriedly, “Do you guys think Commander Erwin just playing with Armin's body and feelings?”
Ymir looked around, “Why don’t we try find it out? The captains each squad worked under him for years. They must know something.” They found the captains table.
“They’re coming,” Hanji whispered to the friends. When the new scouts came, Hanji smiled at them. “Hello, guys. You’re new recruitments, right?”
They saluted with fist s on their hearts and mentioned their training squad number. The same one with, “Ah, Eren's friends!”
“Yes. We would like to ask something as juniors,” Jean said. Hanji still have the same smile, “Sure. Ask away.”
Ymir initiated first, “Is Commander Erwin has lover or lovers?”
Straight to the point, Hanji, Mike, Levi and Moblit thought inwardly.
“It’s not your fucking business, brats,” Levi stated. Mikasa narrowed her eyes, “Are you saying he’s a playboy?”
“Mikasa!” Sasha put her palm on her mouth and dragged Mikasa away from the seniors. The rest followed her and discussed they should ask someone else. After they were gone, Hanji turned to Moblit.
“Moblit, spill,” Hanji demanded. Moblit sighed and told them what he saw. He commented, “I... Never saw Commander hugs anyone before.”
Hanji gaped, “Me neither...”
Mike shook his head when Hanji and Moblit turned their head to him. The three looked at Levi who said, “Don’t ask me. You three knows him longer than me.”
“Oh, yeah,” Hanji remembered. Levi asked, “This Armin brat... Is he the mushroom head on Forest Titan who helped Eren out of his Titan's body?”
“Yeah, that one,” Hanji replied. “Why do you ask?”
“Erwin ordered me around because that mushroom head. He also suggested to Erwin that Eren should fight in Titan form.” Levi remembered that.
Hanji surprised, “Erwin rarely agreed with me and it took me long time to convinced him to do my way and he just do what Armin says on the spot? Woah...”
“You tell me,” Levi found it suspicious. “Do you think Erwin and that brat fucking?”
“I can’t say for sure. Erwin never seems to care for a lover or a relationship before. Only care about expedition.” Mike noted. Moblit seconded.
“And Moblit saw Erwin hugging Armin this morning. Could it be Erwin reciprocate Armin's feelings?” Hanji asked out loud. No one could answer that. Moblit rose from his seat, “I'll bring Commander’s lunch.”
Hanji followed his suit, “We'll go with you!”
–000–
“Come in,” Erwin checked the document of new recruitment. He checked on Eren, Armin, Reiner and Bertolt. Indeed, the last two were from the same district like Armin said. In Annie documents, she was from the same district with Reiner and Bertolt. Everything that Armin said was checked. Erwin took Armin's document in his hand. The boy is really from the future.
“Yo! Erwin!” Hanji went in with a smile. Moblit put a tray of his lunch on Erwin desk, “Commander, your lunch.”
“Thank you, Moblit,” Erwin put down the document on his hand and his friends saw the name on it. Armin Arlert. Hanji and Moblit exchanged glances. Levi and Mike noticed that. They stepped further then saw the document too. Four of them had a knowing look.
Erwin asked, “Why three of you here? Why aren’t you having lunch?” He meant Hanji, Levi and Mike. Moblit was here for delivering his lunch.
“We had lunch. We haven’t see you since yesterday evening, Erwin,” Hanji started. “I heard you sent the report already.”
“I'm busy,” Erwin stated. He drank the tea Moblit served.
“You look like a shit,” Levi noted. Mike asked, “Have you sleep yet?”
“4 hours sleep after sunrise,” Erwin bite the bread. Hanji sat on the chair where Armin sat before, “THIS morning? Why not last night?”
Erwin didn’t reply and just eating his lunch. The other four exchanged look. Erwin was a difficult fellow. His mind always seemed on another place and not here. They knew that. If he didn’t want to say anything he won’t say it. However, Hanji and curiosity always soulmate combo.
“Armin Arlert,” Hanji watched closely Erwin's expression. Like Hanji predicted, that name had an impact on Erwin. The Commander gaze on Hanji immediately after that name. He halted his movement but resumed eating with cautious eye on Hanji.
“Armin Arlert was here the whole night last night, wasn’t he?” Hanji pressed the fact. “You summoned him.”
Erwin neither denied or confirmed but Hanji had all his attention now. Instead of Hanji, Mike was the one who elaborated, “This Armin Arlert is the talk of the town. They heard you gave him personal permission to rest today and it creates theories.”
“One of the talk is this mushroom head being your bed warmer,” Levi scrutinized eyes on Erwin who looked genuinely surprised. Moblit added carefully, “I saw you hugged him this morning, Commander.”
“Look, Erwin,” Hanji calmly said, “We will be on your side. Hopefully, Armin isn’t just one time thing for you. Or else, his mother hen might haunts you down.”
“Mother hen?” Erwin asked. Hanji replied, “Mikasa Ackerman. No. 1 in the 104 Cadet Corps.”
“The elites want to recruit her but she chose Scout Regiment,” Erwin stated. Silence followed, Mike asked, “That girl isn’t the point. What it is your plan, Erwin? About this Armin Arlert.”
“It's this just one time thing with him or what?” Levi asked.
He was not in physical relationship with Armin. The boy wasn’t his bed warmer like people said. It wasn’t true. Erwin didn’t think anyone should know about something that personal. He didn’t have time for gossip. However, it was clear for Erwin that, “He isn’t just one time thing.”
Erwin will need Armin’s information from the future. The information last night wasn’t one time thing for Erwin. However, why it sounded like he told himself a lie? That... information wasn’t the only thing he wanted from the petite soldier. Yet, he didn’t know if he want to acknowledge the other thing or ignore it.
The other four stunned at Erwin's clarification. As far as they know Erwin, the Commander always about expedition, humanity survival, and strategy. Never have personal life. Workaholic through and through. Now, Erwin made a choice to have someone other than work. Hanji grinned, “Finally! Congrats, Erwin!”
Mike nodded and smiled faintly, “Good for you.”
Levi commented, “So, that’s your type.”
“It’s a relief both of you have reciprocated feelings,” Moblit delighted. Erwin noted, “Both?”
Hanji and Moblit told him about the 104th squad conversation during lunch. Erwin contemplated in silent. The four left him alone and went on with their days. Icy blue eyes back on the document and he read again one document about Armin Arlert.
–000–
Blue eyes slowly opened his eyes. Blinked several times before his sight become clear. He saw his friends opened the door and went inside. “Guys?” Armin gingerly sat. “Are you finish the training?”
“It’s end early this afternoon,” Reiner replied. Bertolt walked to Armin's bed and gave him a bread they took during lunch. The tall Hoover symphatized, “You haven’t eat, right?”
“Thanks,” Armin took it and eat it slowly. Reiner exchanged glances with Jean before decided, “Armin, where were you the whole night? I woke up early and you weren’t here.”
“I was with Commander Erwin,” Armin said absently. Reiner, Jean, Connie and Bertolt looked at each other. When Jean wanted to say something, Reiner stopped him with hand on Jean's shoulder. He shook his head.
Reiner said, “Rest, Armin. You seems tired. We have free time for now.”
Armin nodded, “I think I will take a shower.”
Vaguely, he felt his friends stared at him intensely. Blinked, he puzzled but he went out. During his walk to the common shower area, he felt anyone who passed will turned their head to him and whispered to their friends. Armin started getting suspicious.
–000–
Armin spent the evening with his friends cleaning the stable horse. It was uneventful but few senior here and there would passed the stable horse. They peeked at Armin then whispered to themselves. Jean saw that one group, he chased them away.
Armin surprised, “Jean?”
“Don’t mind them,” Jean said. Armin blinked, “Why would I mind them?”
That question made all his friends around him froze. Armin looked around, “Guys, what’s going on?”
“You haven’t told him yet?” Ymir asked the boys. They averted their eyes. Reiner muttered, “He looks tired. I just want him rest without worry.”
“Tell me about what?” Armin blanched, “Is it Eren? Is he okay?” Instinctively, Armin turned to Mikasa who stood beside him closely since they met again. Eren supposed to be in basement. Resting and all. The last fight took a toll on him. Mikasa assured him, “He's fine. He's still resting.”
Armin relief, “Then, what do you want to tell me?”
No one said anything. Armin frowned, “I feel everyone weird since I woke up this afternoon.”
“People staring at me, whispering and point their fingers at me. Something happens involving me, right?” Again, no one said anything. “What is it?”
The friends exchanged worry look. Krista stepped forward to him, “Armin, before we tell you. I want you to answer us. Remember, we’re your friends. We’re stand by you no matter what.”
“O... Kay...?”
Krista asked, “What do you think of Commander Erwin?”
“Commander?” Armin blinked. “He is remarkable leader. We all know that. Why do you ask?”
“Not him as a leader, you fool,” Ymir piped in. “Do you like him or not?”
Armin blinked again. He innocently replied with, “Of course I am. Who doesn’t like him? He is admirable.”
“Not like in general way, Armin,” Reiner cleared his throat. Bertolt added, “In special way. Like...”
Mikasa stated, “In sexual way.”
The others gasped with red face. Including Armin. Mikasa always straight to the point. Jean cleared his throat, “What we meant is, like a lover. Are you and Commander Erwin...?” As if it wasn’t enough to describe, Connie and Sasha pretend they would kiss by calling each other with ‘Armin’ and ‘Commander Erwin’.
Armin blushed. He stuttered, “Wh-wha-wha—”
“We know you didn’t come back last night, Armin,” Reiner stated the fact. Ymir provided information, “It's common practice in military for low-rank like us give higher-ups a ‘special service’ since we never know when we'll die or how much time we have left.”
Armin gasped. He remembered the moment he was being told that Commander Erwin died instead of him. Blanced, Armin felt nauseous. Krista grabbed Armin's hands with worry face, “Armin, we know you stayed at Commander's office the whole night.”
Connie elaborated, “You’re low rank. New recruitment and no other seniors in that office. Only you and Commander. We assume you and him... you know.”
Sasha asked hesitantly, “Did he... force himself to you? Or...?”
It took Armin seconds to realized what they asked. He blushed at the implications. They thought him and Commander were having an affair. Mikasa put her palms on his shoulders, eyes sharp with a dangerous gleam, “Just say the word. I'll take care everything.”
“Wha—”
“Last night... Did Commander Erwin force you or not?” Mikasa insisted.
Startled, Armin denied, “N-no. He didn’t do an—”
They heard footsteps and the group hide behind bushes on the right side of stable horse. Hanji sounded delightful when they heard the words, “Aaaah, never thought I will see the day Erwin have someone dear to him before we die!”
“To think that brat, mushroom head, is his type. No wonder he never take anyone to his bed before,” Levi commented.
“Levi, that brat has a name. Armin Arlert. Remember that. Our Commander’s sweet little darling~!” Hanji grinned mischievously. Armin and his friends surprised to heard that. Levi scoffed, “Disgusting.”
“Erwin never have serious relationship with anyone as far as I know,” Mike said. “For Erwin to acknowledge that Arlert boy isn’t just one night time is miraculous. It’s not something we should take lightly.”
“Agreed!” Hanji bounced. “Spring finally come for Erwin! Our beloved friend and commander!”
Moblit ran to the seniors, “Hey, have you seen Arlert? Commander asked me to find him but I haven’t found him.”
The said in unison, “No.”
“I heard from others that he's cleaning the stable with his friends,” Moblit said. “Everyone talking about him. It seems all of them know about Arlert being in Commander’s office the whole night. It’s common knowledge now.”
“Erwin summoned him publicly. The boys know he wasn’t in the dorm and someone saw him in Erwin’s office this morning when she took the report,” Mike reduced.
“You said Armin in here?” Hanji looking around cautiously. “That means... ARMIN!”
“Eep!” Armin raised his hand slowly and admitted, “I'm here...”
The seniors gasped. Armin walked out of the bushes. His friends followed one by one. The seniors and juniors looked at each other. Clearly the juniors heard the seniors earlier. Moblit cleared his throat. “Armin Arlert.”
“Yes, Sir,” Armin saluted with his fist above his heart. Moblit relayed the messaged awkwardly, “Commander Erwin is looking for you.”
Silent followed.
Undoubtedly, everyone’s here know what the talk of the town and Armin heard the seniors earlier. Gulped, he nodded, “Yes, Sir.”
No one moved. All eyes on Armin who turned red as the minutes passed. The seniors talked about Armin in the context he was Erwin's beloved person. The boy never had that thought crossed his mind. What the hell happened which made them reach that conclusion? It never happened in his past! He wanted to change the future but apparently, the past changed too.
Hanji encouraged him with soft voice, “You should go, Armin. Erwin maybe waiting for you.”
“Oh, uhm,” Armin nodded shyly and went back to the HQ. They watched the petite soldier’s from his behind. Then, Hanji turned to all new recruitments which were Armin's friends. “So, we all know now? About Erwin and Armin,” Hanji grinned.
The juniors nodded carefully. Mikasa asked, “Is it true, Commander Erwin care about Armin? He isn’t just playing with Armin's heart?”
Mike replied, “This our first time to see Erwin take interest in anyone outside work. I think we can safely say Arlert is indeed special for Erwin.”
“We just worry about our friend, Sir,” Reiner said. Hanji nodded, “So do we.”
Jean muttered, “Is it wise for them to be together in this kind of time? Forever is impossible. Death is inevitable. Happiness is inconceivable.”
Silenced blanketed them. That was the hard truth. Despite being juniors, 104th Cadet Corps has seen titans even before they chose anything. Barely finished their training as soldiers. Lost so many comrades. Seniors experienced this terror much longer.
“Isn’t that precisely because this kind of time that they should be together?” Levi said. “Because the end is unavoidable, everyone deserve to have something unforgettable.”
Everyone understand that. They wished the best for their dearest friends.