(Eren learns what Levi lost over the 57th expedition)
Eren knew that the reaction that Levi was having was terrible. It was the sad desperation that Eren thought he could relate to. In one fell swoop, Levi lost his entire family.
The old squad was like a family. They had their secrets, their understanding and their conventions. They were close, protective and together.
Everything was balanced, everybody was happy as they trained and handled the rigours of the military.
Eren knew what it was like to lose family. He knew that nobody but Levi would be able to handle the aftermath.
Eren did have his own bout of depression, but that was overcome quickly by a reunion with his trainee squad. Levi, on the other hand, was only reminded.
Eren spoke to Hange, who was already saddened and did not stay away from tears for very long.
Erwin was too busy to be addressed and Mike did not really know enough.
That only left Levi. Levi knew the dead family because he was its last living remnant. Levi suffered and noting that, Eren kept his distance.
That changed one day when Levi was walking around the barracks. It was a rare sight as Eren knew that Levi liked to keep to his office. Generally, a sight of the new squad would send him back there for a short while.
"Heicho," Eren decided to speak, "I was wondering if you wanted to talk."
Levi grunted and Eren took it as a yes. "I wanted to say I understand what you're going through." Levi was still focussed on him, so Eren continued. "I know what it's like to lose family." Levi seemed to glare, but Eren believed that talking would help the desolate man. "I know that the squad was more than just a group of subordinates. They were your family, weren't they?" Levi sighed. "Petra was like a mother, and Auro was like the youngest child and Erd the eldest with Gunther in the middle." Eren was improvising, but did not know any better.
"It must have been easy for you." Levi commented quietly.
"The squad? Unfortunately, I did not know them well enough."
"Good for you, because you won't understand yet."
"I beg your pardon Heicho?"
"If Petra were ever a mother," Levi said, turning to walk away, "I would be the father." Levi walked away.
Eren gawped. He was transfixed and lost, everywhere and nowhere, thinking yet dumbfounded. He could not believe it, yet the tragedy was too beautiful. It was stunning that Levi still believed in his love. It was bitter that he could only believe.
Eren walked unable to take his eyes of the disappearing broken-hearted man. He walked directly into a wall as he realized: he would never feel that pain unless he lost Mikasa, and maybe he never would feel that way about anybody ever.
(A/N: I hope you liked this one! It was a fun write!
Have fun!)
