A/N: Just a short Drabble that I put together after reading chapter 51, it takes place right after the Survey Corps return after retrieving Eren.
I knew what he was thinking.
He stood at the bedside, his eyes like decorative jewels shining in the bleak light told me, that deeply thoughtful face barely maintaining composure told me, the clenching of his jaw alongside his frozen shivers.
Fear.
His unrivalled passion as he searched, a guiding hand outstretched for this man, his deep but silent tears that nobody saw... I shouldn't see... But even so I must. I must look upon the sorrowful figures of our commander and corporal like it were simply duty, despite not sustaining any injuries myself I must share their pain. I would like to think it helps that small shaking frame stand on it's own without collapsing under the pressure of supporting such importance within the walls...
And was he crazy?
Rivaille knew better, he did, I can promise you that much. Although when your hands tremble because of the shock it becomes harder to reason with the harsh reality befalling us all, turning us into ghosts. Mere shells of ourselves within these imprisoning walls.
Erwin.
He would like to help Rivaille too, I'm sure of it. However despite this his weary gaze never once lifted, instead it pauses to sink into a deep slumber all too frequently. Commander is all too aware of the tears his subordinate sheds, if only he could lift that arm to catch those tears gently between his fingers...
Their broken dream...
A salute with the left hand, it's not right but he sustains a smile anyway, smiling isn't in his job description but neither are those dead eyes which never cease to leave his face beneath the careful cover-up he tries to use. And him, Rivaille isn't smiling; he is, however he is simply wearing that dull look of boredom and anger just like he used to before it happened. It's too familiar to me, like it's plastered there above all the tears, concealing the fear he held alongside them.
'Hanji'
His gritty voice called out, I looked down on that small figure. He looked like he hadn't eaten in those weeks, his cloak was barely covering how thin he'd become... Then it's not long until Erwin too appears, rejuvenated from that horrible time but his suffering was apparent to me, even beneath that cleanly-shaven face and properly combed hair.
'Hanji'
My eyes flashed up to his face as he noticed my lack of concentration, Rivaille too met my gaze with that deep glare of his. I smiled at them both behind think glasses and fully acknowledged their puzzled and slightly annoyed (from Rivaille) expressions.
'Are you busy now?'
I don't know why I asked, their expressions instantly changed to ones of mild fatigue... I grabbed Erwin's arm firmly throwing him off slightly and provoking a surprised look. I grabbed Rivaille's arm too but despite his annoyed protests I couldn't let them go.
'You two need a break... ya know?'