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I'm home

Shingeki no Kyojin © Isayama Hajime

warning: spoiler for chapter 49 and 50

A/N: I had wanted to write this since chapter 49 but I'm kind of busy with another stuff so yeah, this is probably late but, enjoy this short ficlet of Erwin (and Levi).

His heart was thumping even more than usual when he heard the bell rang. He stayed at Trost district for the night in order to wait for the Survey Corps members who went outside the wall to retrieve Eren the previous day. Hange was still resting and unconscious in Hange's own room.

He stayed in his room and looked out through the window.

Please, get back safe, everyone.

The gate opened, letting out a loud voice all over the city. The sound of horses' hooves followed after. His eyes scanned the soldiers who went through the gate to check on their overall conditions. A lot of them are injured―badly injured, while some didn't even return. The numbers were reduced considerably, probably they didn't even have the time to bring back those dead bodies.

Then his attention fell on the blond commander in front.

Erwin...?

Three knocks.

Levi exhaled and answered, "come in."

A creak, then footsteps.

He didn't turn around to look at the visitor's face, because he knew who it would be.

"Did you enjoy the trip?"

The visitor chuckled. "I would, if there were no sacrifices."

Levi turned around and looked at the man in the eyes. Those eyes were still the same; so full of mystery. Nobody could guess what's in his mind. Not even now. Levi moved his eyes to the right side of his body. His finger traced the bandage, at the right arm joint of the commander.

"I'm sorry I lost my arm."

"How are you going to fight from now on?"

Accompanied by dim light, both of them stayed in silent for quite a while. None of them continued the conversation. It was hard even to breathe. He is the commander of the Survey Corps. He led his men to the outside wall, sacrificing their lives for the lives of many. Ignoring their pleads as if they were wind gusts.

It was necessary, his heart whispered.

But now his battle ends.

He knew he couldn't do anything with only one arm. He needed a pair to save a life.

Just like back then; he could only stare at them. Looking at them being robbed of their own dear lives and being eaten one by one... he could not raise his blade and fight back. Even though, they were not supposed to die on that mission, even though they still could be saved.

(If only he stood up and fought.)

"I'll find a way so that I could keep fighting."

(He's lying.)

Levi leant on Erwin's broad shoulder, be careful not to hurt the wound. He inhaled, and then exhaled. "You did well on your last mission," he murmured in a low tone. "You forgot to bring back your arm, but it's okay... at least you're alive."

Erwin chuckled. "I'm home, Levi."

"Welcome home, Erwin."

End.

A/N: I don't know how Erwin could continue to fight with his condition.