A:N/ Yay for Thanksgiving break! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and if you don't have Thanksgiving, treat yourself nonetheless. You all deserve it. Much love and happiness from me…from the story, not so much.
Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else doesn't and needs a good dinner and a sit-down.
Erwin didn't know how much time has passed as he tapped on his armrest impatiently. The air traffic wasn't helping his sour mood. He wanted his damn plane to land. He had spent so much time traveling that he just wanted to stand still for just a moment.
Given the hell he just went through from that asshole Dok, Erwin was ready to pilot the damn plane himself.
Nile had given him leave as soon as he was satisfied with annoying the hell out of Erwin, and Erwin was more than ready to get all the paperwork over with.
Erwin had already stepped down from being a Commander, but Nile was still holding onto important documents that he had seized before Erwin could take it back after he had resigned.
The moment Nile gave him those papers, Erwin felt a hit of nostalgia overcome him, but the smug look on Nile's face made Erwin ignore his hesitancy.
Signing those papers never seemed so welcoming at that point. Yet, Nile had stopped Erwin before he could place the pen on the piece of paper.
"This isn't going to be the end, you know that, right?" Nile asked, his gaze hardened. Erwin didn't even blink.
He knew Dok wasn't talking about the papers.
"This is none of your business." Erwin said through gritted teeth, his hand tightening around the pen he held.
Nile sighed and shook his head, "You really don't like confronting real-life issues head-on, don't you?"
"Says the man who left his wife and two kids for my ex-wife." Erwin retaliated, not trying to play with Dok's game anymore.
Nile narrowed his eyes, and Erwin felt a sliver of satisfaction flow throughout his body at the curl of distaste formed at the corner of Nile's mouth.
Nile had then bent down low and whispered in Erwin's ear in warning.
"Then take it from someone who knows how it feels to be on the brink of losing everything or possibly gaining the whole world…Don't fuck up, Smith."
Erwin grabbed onto his armrest, tightly, at the memory of Nile's words.
The man didn't know what he was saying. Lose everything? Gain everything? Nile Dok had left his family for a woman who was just as worse as him. Erwin didn't think that was gaining anything at all. All Erwin could think about was the poor woman and children Nile had left behind, and Erwin...Fuck, Dok was in his damn head.
It pissed him off to no end.
Erwin was already mad, has been mad. Killing the sons of bitches that killed his unborn child wasn't enough, and he could feel the anger surging throughout his body every single time someone tried to defy him. The High Commander was upset, and Erwin had convinced him that he would come back. His squadron expected him to come back, and Erwin promised them that he would come back.
Yet, Dok was the one Erwin believed that he would have a difficult time with.
And yet, Dok told him to go home.
It angered Erwin to no end. Dok had manipulated him to no end. And here he was trying to tell him that he was needed to go home?
"Mr. Smith, we've landed." A voice interrupted his thoughts.
Erwin nodded his thanks, immediately regaining his composure as he got out. He thanked the crew, and as he walked down the stairs that led to solid ground, Erwin realized that he still felt like he was sinking.
Elyse smiled her thanks as Eren handed her a daisy.
"Thank you, sweetie." Elyse whispered before pressing a kiss on his forehead. She watched as he ran off to join his siblings again as they played in the backyard.
She watched them play, but she could sense the slight sadness in Armin's expression and Elyse made herself a mental reminder to talk to him about it.
She knew it was going to take time, but this was better for them.
The weather was beautiful and Elyse took a deep breath as a warm breeze wafted through. The smell of brownies caught her attention and she made sure Hanji was with the kids before she walked back inside.
She smiled as she saw Petra and Freida shrieking over something on a phone, but she was ready to leave once she saw the mischief in their eyes as they gazed in her direction when they heard the door shut from behind her.
"What?" Elyse asked, a little terrified at the sight of their secretive smiles.
"We were nominated, Elyse. The production was nominated for Best Original Theatrical Production." Freida announced, giddily, running up to her to throw her arms around her.
"No way!" Elyse managed to gasp out from Freida's death grip. She dove for the phone as Petra laughed and gave it to her.
Elyse's eyes widened as she saw her name and the production she wrote on the list of nominations of International Theatre Awards. It was surreal.
Her eyes began to water and she squealed, grabbing both Petra and Freida as they jumped up and down.
Elyse's smile couldn't get any wider.
Finally.
Something she could be happy about.
But, sadness immediately began to garner at the thought of someone who made this possible. She thought about the blond man that was to thank for all this hard work. His dedication and his gift to her…
With a hard mental push, Elyse forced herself to forget.
Levi counted the amount of food he had in his car before nodding in satisfaction. Elyse had been going on about how there wasn't enough food for everyone, and Levi wasn't about to have another lecture from her make him get out of his busy schedule anymore.
Petra was starting to point it out, and that's what made Levi begrudgingly get out of his own rut and do something with his life.
He knew that it's been a while since he had done something else than work for his late father's company. Hell, he'd been the President of the company for so long now that he forgot anything else that revolved in his personal life.
The fact that Elyse was tired of it made Levi realize how neglectful he had been.
"Well, she shouldn't complain now." Levi sighed, sitting back down in the driver's seat.
He didn't realize that he had a missing call from Pixis.
Erwin looked at the watering hole in front of him with a slight sigh. It had been a long time since he was last here.
Erwin immediately went into the bar he had once held dear once upon a time. Ironically, it brought up memories that he found himself nostalgic about.
Even if it included Dok and Marie.
Maybe it was because of his age. Had it been almost more than ten years since he was here?
As he entered the bar, he was greeted by a very familiar face.
"Well, well, well, look who it is." Retired Commander Pixis greeted Erwin as soon as Erwin sat down at the bar.
"Commander." Erwin greeted with a smile. Pixis snorted, placing a glass of whiskey in front of Erwin.
"I retired because I didn't want to be called that anymore, Commander." Pixis stated, mischief in his eyes, "And yet, I hear that I should stop calling you that also."
Erwin's eyes immediately darkened, and Pixis laughed as he patted Erwin's back roughly.
"Oh, come on, I can see look in your eyes. It's one of resignation." Pixis stated. Once he calmed down, he smiled, softly.
"Besides, I heard it from the pipsqueak. He came to visit before you awhile back. He told me you guys finished your mission and I heard it was a success. Congratulations. About time you relax, son. Your father will be happy." Pixis pointed out, taking a sip out of his flask before letting out a sigh.
"Levi was here?" Erwin asked, softly, not even surprised at the least.
"He was. Said he was tying some loose ends ever since his father died. Poor kid, I don't think he's quite over it yet…He told me about…well, with what's going on…Sorry, son, didn't mean to bring it up or pry about it." Pixis apologized, quiety, making sure no one heard him.
Erwin scoffed, softly, "Don't worry about it, Pixis. Everyone's been asking about it ever since I got out of the desert."
PIxis shot him a sympathetic glance, and Erwin did his best to ignore it as he took another gulp of his whiskey.
"Everything is fine the last time I checked." Erwin reassured Pixis, trying hard not to meet the old man's eyes.
He knew that Pixis was about to say something, and Erwin could already feel the anger bubbling up inside of him at the look on Pixis' face.
He had to calm himself down. None of this was Pixis' fault, so he needed to calm down.
As if he knew, Pixis didn't say anything as he handed Erwin another glass.
"Do you know if Levi is still around?" Erwin asked, quietly, after a moment. Pixis nodded, but the hesitant look in Pixis' eyes told Erwin all he needed to know.
Erwin ignored the bitterness that rose within him, and he focused on the glass in his hand instead.
"I see." Erwin stated, nonchalantly.
Pixis didn't question or talk to him anymore after, letting Erwin drink in peace.
Elyse thanked her brother as he brought in the groceries, but he seemed to be out of it and in a rush once more as soon as he brought everything inside. He excused himself, and Elyse felt bad as soon as she saw Petra's face flicker with disappointment.
Elyse couldn't blame her brother. She knew that thanking care of the company that her father had left him must not be easy.
Especially with the current circumstances.
Elyse felt a shiver go through her body, and she forced herself to think about the groceries before her. She was a bit saddened that she couldn't even tell her brother the good news about the nomination.
The next person she had wanted to tell came into mind, and Elyse felt her heart clutch at it.
She needed to ignore the sharp pain within her heart especially when she heard the kids call out her name.
Erwin watched the Estate come into view. It had been a long road, but he was finally home. He got out of the car and thanked his driver. He sighed as he walked inside the house, ready to relax in front of the fire.
The Estate was dark and cold, much like himself, and he wanted that corner he had been hovering around for so long. It was so close, calling for him.
Instead, he was greeted by a livid Nifa and a stoic Dieter.
He passed them, not even bothering to acknowledge what was the cause of their erratic behavior.
Even though he knew why.
He ignored them as he eyed the prepared glass of whiskey and the warm, lit fireplace. As he sat down, he noticed that the phone he had been blatantly ignoring was flashing at him.
He pressed "ignore."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. "Nifa's voice warned from behind him.
Erwin sighed, rubbing his temples, "Nifa, I'm in no mood right now."
A stubborn sigh from behind him showed him that Nifa wasn't playing around.
"It's Levi." Dieter finally stated, inserting himself into the conversation. Erwin gritted his teeth, cursing at his stupidity. Of course, Pixis told him. Erwin tried to calm himself down as he felt a surge of anger course through his body.
Fuck, he got caught.
"Fine." Erwin sighed, picking up his flashing phone. The unknown phone number was enough to make Erwin want to chuck his phone against the wall.
What did Levi think he was going to do? Track him down?
"Hello." Erwin greeted, tiredly.
"What the fuck, Erwin. Want to explain why you were in Germany without telling me?" Levi greeted in return.
"Nice to hear from you, too, Levi." Erwin sighed, trying to massage the headache that was beginning to form.
"Erwin. You need to let me know about these things." Levi stated, angrily.
It was enough to goad Erwin into being bitter and sarcastic. Something he's been more of lately, a monster he couldn't recognize anymore.
"Oh, really, Levi? For what reason? So, you can warn everyone about the big bad wolf? I wasn't there to blow your fucking house down, Levi. I was there to get a damn drink and wallow in self-pity, which, by the way, you made it really easy to leave that bar due to you talking to Pixis about my situation." Erwin replied, sarcastically.
"You're telling me that you went to the bar in Germany to just get a drink? I find that hard to believe, Erwin." Levi hissed in return.
Erwin forced himself to take a sharp intake of breath before he shattered his own phone.
It would be the tenth time this month.
"What do you want me to say, Levi? Hm? Do you want me to tell you that staying in this damn place is suffocating me? Do you want me to tell you that I can't even stand being in this damn country because every single fucking day I'm forced to…" Erwin trailed off, and he grabbed his chest as a sharp pain shot throughout his body.
All he remembered was falling and the shouting as if he was back on the battlefield he longed to avoid.
Darkness shrouded around him, and Erwin embraced it.
Elyse thanked Petra, Freida, and Hanji as they prepared to leave and fly back to France.
"Thank you guys so much for visiting." Elyse said, hugging them goodbye.
"Of course, we missed you. Besides, it's good we decided to visit today because of the unexpected news!" Freida stated, excitedly.
Elyse smiled at that, but she noticed a look of apprehension on Petra's face before it quickly disappeared.
"So…when are you going to come back to France for the Awards Show?" Petra asked, softly and carefully.
Elyse slightly winced at the insinuation of Petra's question, but she managed to hide it as she smiled, "Hopefully by next week, if anything, you guys could accept it on…my behalf."
Freida shifted uncomfortably, and Petra and Hanji exchanged looks. Elyse sighed, crossing her arms.
"Guys, it's fine. It's been almost…three months. It's going to eventually turn into something big with the press, so we all might as well get used to what's going on." Elyse managed to say calmly.
She knew her voice was saying one thing and her face was saying another due to the disbelief on their faces.
She was about to say something else until she saw her brother on the phone, yelling while his jacket was half-on.
The moment he saw them, his eyes widened and he hung up immediately.
"We need to go." Levi finally stated, as if finding the calm in his words. Elyse was at a lost.
"What happened? Is everything okay?" Elyse asked, frantic. Was it the company? Elyse knew that the company had been struggling to get on its legs and Elyse knew how stressed it was making her brother. She could feel the panic rise within her at the thought of the company that their father worked so hard on going under.
"No time to explain. We need to go, Elyse." Levi managed to say, and Elyse could tell he was just repeating it over and over, as if it was the only thing that was keeping him up at this point.
"Can you please-"
"it's Erwin, Elyse."
That name made her freeze. As if on cue, Elyse felt all eyes on her, and she could feel the ground beneath her disappear.
Erwin.
It wasn't supposed to affect her. She had promised herself that she would be done with this. She was the one who made the first move. She was the one who decided. She was the one who was here with the kids.
Erwin.
God, Erwin.
"W-What happened to…E-Erwin?" Elyse managed to ask, softly. She realized she was holding to Petra and Freida, tightly, and she could see their wincing pain at how tightly she was holding on to them, but she couldn't find herself to care.
Erwin.
Something was wrong with Erwin.
"How about we get in the car, Elyse? There's no time to explain. Nifa is already on her way to take care of the kids. They'll join us later. But, right now, we need to go." Levi explained, guiding her into the car, prying her hands away from Petra and Freida.
Nifa. It's been so long since she heard her name.
Elyse didn't say anything and she let herself be man-handled as she got into the car and stared listlessly outside the window.
Erwin.
How long has it been since she even said his name? Thought about his name?
Once the door shut, Elyse came back to her senses and judging by the look on her brother's face, she knew that he was ready to answer her bombarding questions.
"What happened?" Elyse asked, shakily, and she cursed at how dumb she sounded. She had promised to try and stay calm, yet here she was, a mess.
"…it's his PTSD." Levi stated, quietly.
Elyse closed her eyes, and she turned her head away.
She didn't want to hear any more.
The Estate came into view, and Elyse's heart clenched at the sight. The once beautiful Estate she had loved with all her heart was unkempt and horrendous. The Estate wasn't taken care of, and she could tell how long it has been since someone payed attention to it.
Three months.
It's been three months since she had last been here.
She had been obsessing over that number lately for some odd reason. She had been counting the months silently, but she wouldn't admit that she was counting the months to anyone. She didn't want to. Even to herself.
The driver opened the door for her and she thanked the man. She felt lead replaced her feet as she stood her ground, simply looking at the Estate, not knowing what to make of it.
"Elyse, let's go." Levi prodded, softly. Elyse bit her lip, but she nodded after a moment. She followed her brother, slowly, not sure where she was going at this point.
The whole Estate was foreign to her, and she could feel her nostalgia moan in pain at the strangeness that hit her instead of the warm, loving memories she once had here.
A strong pair of arms wrapped around her and Elyse blinked, not knowing who was hugging her. She hadn't been paying attention.
"Oh, Miss Elyse, it's so good to see you." The muffled voice said within her shoulder, and Elyse felt something break within her.
Tears began to fall down her eyes and onto her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around the sobbing man.
"Dieter, it's going to be okay." Elyse whispered, holding on to the broad man, tightly.
Even she couldn't believe her own words.
When he finally let go, Elyse smiled softly at the sudden bashful man in front of her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me." Dieter whispered, ashamed. Elyse shook her head, furiously.
"Enough, Dieter. It's been…overwhelming today. I get it." Elyse replied, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Dieter looked to her side, uncomfortably, and Elyse followed his gaze and she noticed that her brother was impatiently waiting for her so they could go upstairs and to…
Elyse swallowed.
She looked at Dieter in front of her and the sadness and frustration in his eyes was burning so bright that Elyse looked down for a moment.
"Dieter, I—"
"He came back." Dieter whispered, softly, that Elyse had to strain to hear.
Elyse blinked, "What?"
"Three months ago, he came back. As soon as heard about your hallucinations. He came back." Dieter stated, stronger this time.
Elyse couldn't say anything else as she found herself being dragged upstairs by her brother.
In shock, Elyse couldn't turn away from Dieter.
Amongst all the frustration and sadness in his eyes, Elyse could see the hope in there as well.
"I know he did…but he didn't stay." Elyse whispered back, not even caring if no one heard her in return.
Levi came back outside as Elyse sat in front of the closed door that led to Erwin's bedroom. He closed the door swiftly before Elyse could peek inside and he looked down at her, his gaze unreadable.
"He's awake." Levi managed to say, and Elyse swallowed again.
"That's good." Elyse replied, hugging her legs close.
Levi walked up to her and sat beside her, sighing and Elyse could immediately see the exhaustion in her brother's mannerisms.
"You need to go rest." Elyse stated, pointing to what was once her bedroom. It made her slightly shiver, but she managed to look away so she could pay attention to her brother.
Her brother didn't say anything, so Elyse just stared at the door in front of her, trying hard not to remember the patterns that was in the bottom of her memory bank.
"…When did you leave this place?" Levi finally asked her, breaking through her thoughts.
Elyse closed her eyes, the dark memory she had been trying to fight now coming up.
Elyse managed to pack the rest of her kids' stuff with Nifa's help.
She hugged Nifa then, tightly, whispering her apologies. But, Nifa squeezed her back, reassuringly.
She understood.
She understood why Elyse had chosen this path.
The kids were asleep, but Dieter and Nifa helped her put them in the car.
When Elyse made sure that everything was in order, she turned to them once more.
"I'm so sorry. This…It has to be done." Elyse said, softly.
Dieter and Nifa nodded, and Elyse looked at the Estate once more before entering the car without looking back.
"It's been three months." Elyse whispered back.
"Ah." Levi hummed.
"Why?" Elyse asked, softly.
"Erwin promised me not to tell you." Levi stated, and Elyse didn't even feel any surprise anymore.
Instead, she laughed. Bitterness and anger overflowing within her.
"Of course he did. What are you going to say, hm? That he was here three months ago? That he came back home and he realized that he's a fucker that couldn't keep a promise?" Elyse asked, realizing that tears were coming back.
They've been telling her this as if it was their personal mantra. That Erwin did come back when she decided that enough was enough.
That she decided it was time to leave him and take the kids with her.
She had remembered telling her therapist about it. The woman had turned out to be a big help to her, and Elyse had appreciated all the help she gave her. This time, the therapist had told her not to be rash.
She had told her to think it over, to thoroughly think it over.
Elyse was in disbelief at the doubt written on her therapist's face.
"You're supposed to be on my side." Elyse had whispered then.
Her therapist looked at her then, carefully.
"I am."
Elyse had gone back home then. It was the last night she ever stayed in that Estate.
"…I told him that you were here. He told me that you need to go back home." Levi finally said, changing the subject.
The hurt was unbearable, but Elyse scoffed angrily.
"I agree. I shouldn't be here. It was a mistake to come back." Elyse found herself saying.
Her brother seemed to see through her even without looking at her. The sigh that came out from his straight mouth was enough to make Elyse wince a bit.
"When you told me that you were going to Germany and moving in our old childhood home with the kids, I didn't question it. I agreed to it. Hell, I was happy that you were finally doing something for yourself rather than going along with the shit show that has been our lives. Therapy was doing wonders for you, and I'm sure that everyone thought that too. One day, I caught Erwin about to travel to Germany. I visited him at the Estate and he was there, sitting in front of the fireplace and his bags were next to him. Instead of standing up and telling me to go fuck myself, Erwin was contemplating with a glass of scotch in hand. You know what he said, Elyse?"
Elyse shook her head, slowly, "Don't do this, Levi. I don't want to hear it."
"Why is that, Elyse?" Levi asked, his gaze now straight at her, and Elyse could feel the sadness wash over her mixed with the anger of being reminded of all the things that she had been trying to avoid for months now.
"All I'm going to hear is how Erwin was going to come back, yet he changed his mind and that he wanted to fix everything, so he left me alone with our kids. He thought I'd be happy. He thought my life would be okay. He thought how everything is all about his fucking self-righteous pity." Elyse answered back, angrily.
"And why does that make you angry, Elyse? He left you alone. From what I remember, you told me that you gave Erwin an ultimatum and you delivered, so why does that make you angry?" Levi pondered, loudly.
Elyse closed her eyes. She didn't say anything. She knew what game her brother was playing, and she wasn't about to fall into that trap.
After a moment of silence, Levi sighed and opened Erwin's door, slightly.
"Go to him, Elyse. You and him need to talk. It's long overdue." Levi stated.
Elyse found herself swallowing as she stared at the sliver of light that came through the door.
Squaring her shoulders, Elyse nodded, slowly, and she ignored the knowing look on her brother's face as she walked inside.
She shut the door behind her, and she looked at the man who haunted her life the moment he entered it.
Erwin looked up weakly at the person who walked inside his room.
His eyes widened just a bit, and he clutched onto the sheets on his bed as he recognized the woman in front of him.
"Elyse." He breathed out, the name he hadn't dared to say in such a long time.
She didn't answer him, instead he could see the unreadable glint in her hazel eyes.
God, it hurt to look at her. She was still as beautiful from his weary memory of her. Her hair had grown longer and he could see that the length had reached the middle of her waist, the long, dark wavy locks were just as silky and shiny as ever. Twenty-two looked good on her, and he could see that she was dressed as every bit as a beautiful, successful mother and ballerina would. The hazel eyes he barely remembered was searing into each memory he strived to forget.
"I thought I told Levi to tell you to go back home. There's no need to worry—"
"Shut up." The two words that existed those strange, pink lips was something that caught him off-guard.
Erwin didn't say anything, and the confusion on his face must've been a satisfaction for her because he could see the smirk on her face, which looked so foreign on her face.
She was hardened now. Something had snapped inside of her, and Erwin couldn't help but think guiltily about the last…how many months has it been since he had seen her again?
He couldn't think about that now. Elyse was walking towards him, and Erwin gripped onto the bedsheets even tighter.
She didn't say anything. Instead, she sat down on the chair next to his bed. She looked around, and he stared at the sharpness of her jaw as she gritted her teeth.
"Elyse, I—"
"What were you thinking?" Elyse finally asked, cutting him off as she looked at him.
Her hazel eyes were glaring, and Erwin felt shame rise within him.
"What do you mean?" Erwin asked, softly, trying very hard to keep her gaze.
"I gave you an ultimatum. You came back home as promised, yet instead of trying to fix this for the both of us, you don't show up. God, you don't fucking show up and instead, you have Dok showing up at the door of my childhood home, giving me divorce papers that you signed." Elyse hissed, angrily.
Erwin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"What did you want me to do, Elyse?" Erwin asked, with a groan as the sharp pain came back in his chest.
"Oh, I don't know, Erwin. How about you come back and explain to the kids about how you came back and didn't want to see them? You try explaining to them about how their father abandoned them without even so much as a "hello"." Elyse shot back, ignoring the twisted grimace of pain on Erwin's face.
Erwin could tell that she was trying her very best not to feel bad for him, and he couldn't blame her.
"I saw how happy you were without me. The kids and you were happy, and I just remembered how much pain and struggle you were in when it came to me. What do you want me to say, Elyse? That I'm sorry that I'm such an ass?" Erwin asked, trying to calm his pain down.
"Stop using excuses, Erwin-"
"I'm not! Fuck, Elyse! I'm not using excuses anymore. We're done with that, aren't we? It's done now. Everything. The lies, the pretend, and the unexpected. That's why I decided that we needed to stop. To just move on. Everyone even saw it. Why do you think they were onboard with this? Elyse, enough. Please." Erwin sighed, softly.
He didn't even need to look at Elyse to see that she was trembling, the slight tremors of her body from his peripheral vision was enough for him. He couldn't tell from what she was trembling from. Anger? Resentment? Frustration?
All of the above?
"You're an idiot." Elyse finally stated, a mere whisper but he heard it.
Before he could say anything, she stood up. A slight panic rose within him, and his reaction was to grab her arm before she could step out. He didn't know what came over him, and he noticed how she relaxed in his hold before she flinched once more pulled herself away.
She didn't move though. Instead, Erwin found himself staring at her back.
Without another word, Elyse left his room and Erwin felt himself slip back into numbness, willing to ignore the ice that was beginning to form around his heart.
It's been a week.
Elyse cooked breakfast, and she was still trying to get used to the fact that she was back in the Estate that she had once called home.
After that confrontation with Erwin, Elyse found herself not even bothering to move. Her brother had already been directing the driver to place her bags in the car, but Elyse stopped them. Without another word, Elyse picked up her bags and brought them back into her old room.
When she opened the door, she noticed that everything was just as she left it. Erwin had obviously hired someone to keep it clean, but other than that, Elyse could tell that she had been packing the last time she was here.
"Want to explain why we're not leaving yet?" Levi has asked from her doorway.
"Don't." Elyse warned him, tiredly.
Her brother hadn't said a word to her since.
The sound of kids being happy was music to her ears as they squealed. Dieter's welcoming bellow warmed her heart as she could see their shadows spinning around in the living room.
She had called Nifa and told her to bring the kids here. Nifa didn't even question it, and her brother had looked at her with exasperation.
"This is dangerous, Elyse." Levi stated with a warning.
"The doctor said that his PTSD attacks have been waning. I think it'll help the kids and him to see each other." Elyse replied, ignoring the glare her brother was sending her.
"That's not what I'm talking about, Elyse. You know that." Levi stated.
"It's going to be—"
"Have you thought about what's going to happen afterwards, Elyse? He gave you signed divorce papers. You left him without the kids. So, now what? We're backtracking? The kids don't need to be involved in any more of this drama." Levi continued, with a frustrated tone.
"The kids need and want to see Erwin. That's all that matters right now." Elyse argued back, getting tired of arguing with her brother.
"The kids or you, Elyse?" Levi whispered. Not even waiting for her answer, Levi left his sister alone to her thoughts.
Erwin held on to them tightly. He could hear their laughter, but he didn't want to let go. Armin's head was the one to pop out from his arms as he looked at his father's face. Mikasa's hand was already on his beard and he chuckled at that.
Eren was the one who was still busy hugging his father, unwilling to let go.
"You guys are getting big and heavy now." Erwin sighed, wistfully.
"I'm six now, Papa!" Eren said, happily. Erwin smiled, sadly, but he ruffled Eren's hair affectionately.
"I know. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to your birthday." Erwin apologized, even though he inwardly cursed at the memory of himself drinking himself to sleep when it was his son's birthday.
"It's okay. Mama said that you were busy working and that you would come back as soon as you could." Mikasa said, in reply for her brother.
That hurt.
"Of course she did." Erwin whispered, quietly.
"Hm?" Mikasa asked, still playing with her father's beard. He chuckled at her concentration as she braided it.
"Nothing, sweetheart. Just happy you guys are here." Erwin stated, pressing a kiss on her forehead.
Elyse could hear the laughter before she entered Erwin's room with a tray of food. This would only be the second time she entered his room. The first time being that emotional encounter they both had.
The kids were still laughing with their father, and Elyse noticed that there were a couple of new scars that she didn't realize he had on his chest.
She looked away, not wanting to know where they came from.
"I brought food." Elyse announced, happily, trying to get their attention so they could eat. The kids looked up on cue and they bounded towards her, excitedly as they went towards the food.
Elyse chided at them to calm themselves and when she looked up, she could see the wistfulness in Erwin's eyes as he looked at the kids.
For the kids or you, Elyse?
Elyse immediately felt like she was going to throw up. Swallowing, Elsye stood up straight and brought Erwin his tray as the kids were busy eating their own food at the small table Elyse had set up earlier.
Erwin looked up at her then, and she noticed the wistfulness turned into wariness as she placed the tray of food on his lap.
"Thank you." Erwin finally said. Elyse nodded, and she turned to walk away, but his calloused hand grabbed her slender wrist.
She turned to face him, and she saw that the wariness was replaced with gratitude.
"No, really, Elyse. Thank you." Erwin persisted.
Elyse looked down at his hand, and that didn't make anything better. Instead, she found herself craving to stroke the scar that she noticed was across his knuckles.
"They needed to see their father. Even though he decided to leave them." Elyse said, the resentment she found was welcoming and she ripped her hand away from him.
The hurt in Erwin's eyes was enough for her cold satisfaction, and she left the room without another word.
A week turned into a month, and Elyse found herself being Erwin's personal caretaker. He could leave the bed, and the doctor even praised Elyse for being such a good wife.
Wife.
How ironic it was to hear that word.
They never talked about anything but the kids since the day she ripped her hand out of his warm grip.
Her brother had taken his leave, and with one last word of warning, Elyse hugged her brother goodbye.
"Stop playing games, Elyse." Her brother warned, and Elyse simply nodded, pretending she understood what he said. With a sigh, her brother shook his head and he motioned for Petra to follow him. Petra hugged her goodbye, and she even shot her a worried glance.
Freida had visited more than once, and Elyse could hear the laughter her and Erwin shared.
She felt like an outsider, and she almost let her resentment affect Freida. Freida simply rolled her eyes at Elyse when Elyse mentioned how Freida was visiting often.
"Oh, Elyse. Sweet, innocent Elyse is no longer." Freida had teased.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Elyse retorted, defensively.
Freida had laughed then, giving Elyse a tight hug.
"You know." Freida had said before kissing her cheeks goodbye.
Everyone else had visited. Some were surprised that Elyse was there. Others weren't. That's when Elyse knew that everyone must've heard the news through the grapevine.
That Parisian darling Elyse Rose Jaeger-Ackerman Smith and German Commander Erwin Smith were separated.
Elyse had looked in his office, just to see if the papers were still there.
They had been.
His signature next to an empty line that was supposed to be her own.
"I'm going back to therapy." Erwin announced to no one. Elyse looked up at him from where she was reading on the porch, and she widened her eyes at him.
He looked better than before. He had left his stubble, but he had shaved off the beard he had grown. His hair was now neatly done, and his button-down and slacks outfit had returned. He was just as handsome as ever, and Elyse felt a pang of something before she decided to ignore it.
She looked back down at her book, hearing the kids playing in the distance.
"I see." Elyse replied, easily, trying to ignore the discomfort in her heart as she realized that he was staring at her.
"Want to go with me?" Erwin asked next.
That question took her by surprise. She looked up at him, and his gaze was earnest and fervent. It was enough for her to almost say yes.
Instead, she asked why.
"I owe it to you, Elyse. You were right about how it was wrong of me to just leave out of the blue. I owe it to the kids." Erwin replied, easily.
Elyse felt her heart tighten at his heartfelt plea.
Instead, she shook her head.
It was too much.
It was too…intimate.
She needed to back away before she found herself somewhere she didn't want to be.
"You need to go alone, Erwin. You owe it to yourself first." Elyse replied, warmly. She knew that at least she was right in that aspect.
People have been telling her stories about the battlefield that he had once been in. When they came to visit, Elyse had asked about it, wanting to know every detail. At first, she didn't understand why she craved to hear about it, but she felt like she deserved to.
Erwin had left because of it, didn't he?
Erwin nodded at that. He smiled at her then, and Elyse looked down. He coughed slightly, and he left.
What he didn't see was the bright flush on her cheeks as she continued to read her book.
The month turned into three as Elyse tucked her children into bed. School was starting tomorrow for them again and she knew that it was time to get them on a sleeping schedule. The private school that had been sad when she had to inform them that her kids might not be coming back was ecstatic as she told them that they were coming back now.
She smiled at the memory, and her heart had stuttered when they called her Mrs. Smith.
Once she turned off the lights and closed the door to their room, Elyse pulled out her phone and dialed a number that she hadn't called in so long.
"Elyse, my dear, is that really you?" A gruff, sweet voice answered.
The voice almost brought tears to her eyes.
"It's me, Vati." Elyse greeted, softly.
"Oh, my dear. It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Her father-in-law asked in jest. But, Elyse felt sadness creep into her heart at the reminder and she began to cry softly as she entered her room and onto the balcony to overlook the water.
"Don't cry, Elyse. This is supposed to be a happy occasion." Her father-in-law chided at her and Elyse laughed, softly, through her tears.
"I just missed you, that's all." Elyse replied with a sigh.
"Well, at least you called. Ever since I heard about what's been happening, I couldn't come into contact with my own son…I'm sorry to bring this up, but have you heard from him?" Her father-in-law asked, exasperated.
Elyse blushed at that, remembering that everyone that was close to them had thought they were separated, so she cleared her throat.
"He's doing fine, Vati. We're …I'm back in the Estate. He had a PTSD attack months earlier, but he's fine now. I've…The kids have been a big help." Elyse said, carefully.
It was quiet for a moment until a slight chuckle sounded on the other line.
"Well, that…I'm very happy that you and the kids are back in Paris, Elyse." Her father-in-law said warmly.
Elyse suddenly felt guilt rise within her. She thought of how maybe she was giving hope to her father-in-law and she was about to say something along the lines of how they were still separated while being cordial about it.
Until her father-in-law said something that made her quiet for a second.
"I'm sure that he's happy to have you guys back for now."
"Vati…"
"Elyse, I'm a very old man and I have hoped for what's best for my son the moment my wife gave me him and named him with her very last breath. And, you might not believe this, but I've never seen my son so…happy with his life until now. He's been a drifter. Dabbling in things with his genius, and I've never been more proud. Yet, with you, it's as if he finally met his satisfaction. I know you don't see it, my dear. Erwin is a very difficult person to read, and…it may be my old heart talking, but I'm very happy that you became my daughter-in-law and that you have gifted me with the most wonderful grandchildren. Now, you might think that I'm asking you to stay with him, and I'm not. But, you seem unsure with your actions, Elyse. Why are you still there?"
Elyse couldn't breathe. Her heart began to beat furiously, and she knew that this was going to be it. The question she had been avoiding every day since the day she had been here.
"I don't know, Vati. I don't really know." Elyse finally answered, accepting the fact that she has been unsure the moment she got there.
"You don't have to know right now, Elyse. But, don't wait too long. Life is too short, my dear. I will always be here for you. Remember that." Her father-in-law stated, wishing her well.
"Vati…Can you come here? I was nominated for an award and I would be honored if you came with me." Elyse asked, pleadingly.
His laughter warmed her and Elyse finally felt at ease.
Erwin looked down at his father, ashamed. His father was more than upset with him.
"Father, I—"
"What were you thinking, son? Not contacting me. I had to hear it from my daughter-in-law?" His father scolded, his hands crossed on his walking cane.
Erwin flinched at the sound of "daughter-in-law", and he looked at Elyse who was busying herself with getting the kids ready for school.
"…I wasn't at the right place, Father. I didn't want to upset you." Erwin stated, trying hard to explain.
His father softened at that, but Erwin could still see the upset in his eyes.
"You have never been a disappointment to me, Erwin. Until now. I expect you to tell me what's going on with your life. I don't want to hear it from your friend Levi or Petra. They 've been more than helpful. Did you hear that, Elyse?" His father asked, loudly.
Elyse looked at them, her face flushed, and she nodded.
Erwin had to hide his smile at that. He had missed her blushing face.
"Why are you here, Father? I mean—"
His father cut him off with a glare before answering his question, "Well, I'm here for Elyse."
"Elyse?" Erwin asked, turning to look at her. Elyse immediately looked down and ushered the children outside the door as they shouted their goodbyes.
"She's nominated for an award for the production at the theatre. Aren't you, too? You both worked on it, didn't you?" His father asked, and Erwin could make out the mischievous glint in his father's eyes.
"Father, this is not a game." Erwin sighed, trying hard not to look back at where Elyse had left.
His father snorted, his stare cross now instead of the playful one he had earlier.
"Then what is this, son? Last thing I heard from Levi was that you had disappeared after the Army and that you didn't show up for three months. Elyse had left with the kids, giving up on you. You suddenly sent that Commander Nile Dok with divorce papers at her doorstep with your signature. The only time she ever heard from you ever since you left. Then, you are lingering around Germany here and there, a ghost drifting in between places. You stopped going to therapy for PTSD even after just recently leaving the battlefield is dangerous, son. Unless, you were that desperate to have her by your side. Sounds like a cat and mouse game to me." His father stated, his tone cold and disapproving.
Erwin shook his head, slowly, his hand tapping on his leg.
"You think I did that on purpose? I signed the divorce papers, did I not? If you're talking about lingering, Father, it's her. She didn't sign them. She's the one who came over here with kids and—"
"What else is she supposed to do, Erwin? She hears that the father of children, not only finally shows up, but he's suffering. She has enough suffering in her life, you know that."
"Exactly, why! I…I can't keep doing this to her. I didn't ask for her to be here. I didn't ask for her to bring the children. I didn't ask to make her miserable. I just do, okay? She was in love with someone else, and I had promised to give that to her. When that bastard broke her heart, I obviously wasn't going to leave her like that. That's why I made sure she was happy and taken care of, but it wasn't enough. Nothing is ever enough when it comes to her. You think I wanted to do this to her, Father? She's the mother of my children and, once upon a time, a friend. That's why….That's why I left."
Erwin didn't hear his father after that. Instead, he felt his father's hand on his back before Erwin found himself being led to sit down on the couch.
"Son, I want you to ask yourself this question then." His father said, leaning onto his cane so his son could hear him.
Erwin nodded, slowly.
"Why do you keep on coming back then?" His father asked, pointedly.
Erwin closed his eyes, and he let himself relax. He let the anger he had been holding onto go, for just a moment.
"I'm not coming back." Erwin finally stated. His defense mechanism, his anger, gone, replaced with a sense of melancholy his father sympathetically sighed at.
His father studied him before nodding, "I see."
Before Erwin or his father could say anything else, Elyse walked back inside and she gave them a small smile before leading them to the dining room to eat.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Erwin's voice broke through her thoughts as she folded laundry in the living room.
The kids were asleep upstairs and she had thought Erwin was in his office, doing whatever he was doing.
She was proven wrong as soon as she looked up, his serious gaze staring right through her.
Elyse looked back down, focusing on the pile of laundry.
"I didn't think it was the appropriate time, Erwin. With what has been happening." Elyse pointed out, softly.
"It's already been three months since I've started therapy. I'm pretty sure the time has passed to tell me, Elyse." Erwin pointed out.
Elyse sighed and she looked up at him, tiredly.
"What did you want me to say, Erwin? Oh, by the way, I know we haven't seen or talked to each other in months, but we were nominated for an award." Elyse said, sarcastically.
Erwin clenched his jaw, and Elyse immediately looked back to the laundry, not wanting to be under his watchful gaze.
"Elyse, don't do this." Erwin finally said, his voice tight.
"Do what, Erwin? Point out the truth?" Elyse replied, mentally patting her back at her retort.
Erwin didn't say anything, and Elyse could feel his presence leaving the room. Before he could leave, she called out to him with resignation in her voice.
He turned back to look at her, and she looked up at him.
"Be ready by 8 tomorrow night. You already know how these things work." Elyse finally said.
She could see a tiny smile on his face before he nodded and walked away.
It wasn't until moments later that she realized she had a smile of her own.
The event was chaotic. It seemed that the press was tipped that they were on their way, and Elyse wanted to turn back around and just hide in the Estate.
It had been months since the press had bothered her and her family. But, now, this was going to be the first public appearance of her and Erwin ever since he came back from the Army and she bounded back up from her therapy and the shooting.
She knew the press had no clue about what was happening behind the scenes. The only ones who knew about the separation were the ones who they had trusted with their lives.
Petra had squealed at the information about her making a public appearance. Freida and Hanji had jumped at the opportunity of helping out. It was Levi who stayed quiet when he heard that Erwin was joining her.
He gave her a pointed, knowing look and Elyse ignored it as the girls and Hanji got her ready.
Petra had chosen a blush-colored dress that was strapless. It had a chiffon bottom and strappy nude heels that Elyse fell in love with instantly. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, but the strands of hair came down in long waves. Her makeup was done with a natural, dewy finish and Elyse had missed this part of getting ready.
When Erwin saw her as he looked up from playing with the kids, Elyse noticed the wistfulness in his gaze before it reverted back into being unreadable. He was handsome in his black tux and his hair neatly parted and his stubble gone.
"You look beautiful." Erwin complimented her before turning back to wave his goodbyes as they got into the car.
Elyse didn't miss the warning looks that Erwin and her brother exchanged.
The press was screaming their names as Erwin helped her get out. Elyse felt all the attention and flashing of lights at them, and she found herself gripping Erwin's arm out of habit. The large hand on the small of her back was enough for Elyse to be nostalgic and warm. Realizing her train of thoughts turning into memories, Elyse was glad when they finally entered the venue and got to their seat, which, of course, had to be front row. The press must be really missing them or making up for their obnoxiousness in the beginning.
Erwin must've noticed, too, since he upheld his charming demeanor. For a moment, Elyse almost forgot that Erwin had been at a low point months ago. He was different now, and Elyse found herself almost blushing as Erwin had bent down to help her with her dress so she could sit.
"Thanks." Elyse whispered, gratefully.
Erwin looked up at her then, a smile on his face.
Elyse forgot to breathe.
"You're welcome." He whispered back before returning his attention back to the stage.
Elyse noticed that the lights were dimming and she looked ahead, forcing herself to breathe once more.
"And the winner for Original Production is…Erwin Smith and Elyse Rose Jaeger-Ackerman Smith!" The hosts announced.
Elyse's hazel eyes widened and she stood up with Erwin's help as everyone around them congratulated them. Elyse held onto Erwin's arms and she felt tears gathering in her eyes as Erwin placed a hand on his face before tears began to stream down his own face.
It's as if all the horrible memories and the separation was forgotten. Elyse remembered the stories that his soldiers shared with her as they visited the Estate to visit their old Commander. Elyse remembered it all even though it was hard for her to stomach.
Erwin deserved at least this.
Without even thinking, Elyse tiptoed to kiss the hand on his face as he cried. The cheers of everyone around them as they gave him and her a standing ovation was enough for Elyse to gather her strength and help Erwin get onstage.
When the hosts gave them both hugs and kisses, Erwin had gathered his thoughts and bearings as he stood in front of the microphone.
"Wow…" Erwin breathed, and he took another breath as everyone cheered even louder and Elyse felt her cheeks get wet at his reaction.
"I didn't realize that I would be standing here today with my wife. We've had…We've had a tough year. With me being away and with her being a target…Most of you don't know what's happened and what we've lost, but your continual support is just…so amazing and breathtaking. This…This is dedicated to the company and the theatre that has worked so hard. To my father, my kids, my comrades, the one's I've lost, and, to this amazing person next to me," Erwin motioned for her to join him, and Elyse stood by his side as he wrapped an arm around her waist before placing a kiss on her forehead, "Thank you all so much."
Erwin moved back and he pushed Elyse towards the microphone and she took it, slowly. She laughed when the crowd began to chant her name and she wiped her cheeks, quickly.
"I think my husband said it all," Elyse said, out-of-breath," Yet, he tends to forget to thank himself. Without him, this wouldn't have happened, honestly." The crowd began to cheer, and Elyse smiled at Erwin.
"He's right we shouldn't be standing here today, but we are, to show the world that we are survivors and, well, that we're dedicating this to everyone who's feel like they've lost the world. We lost a baby the day of the shooting, to everyone who didn't know, and we want everyone who's been through this and feel like that they can't go on that this is for you. That it does get better. That you have a reason to get up every day. It's for the one's you've lost. It's for the one's you have. It's for those unexpected turns in your life. Thank you all so much."
As Elyse ended her speech, the whole venue was in an uproar, and as Elyse took a step back, she immediately turned to face Erwin and wrapped her arms around him and, for once, let herself cry.
Everyone offered their congratulations at the after party, sharing their love with them. The press was already praising them and congratulating them, wanting interviews with them. Elyse excused herself to go outside to take a breather.
It was exhilarating, really.
For once in her life, after that speech, she felt like a burden was taken off her shoulders.
When she turned back around to get back inside, she was met with an unexpected sight.
"…Braun?" Elyse asked, shocked.
Braun Lexington came into view and he still looked the same as ever expect this time, Elyse's heart didn't skip a beat. Instead, she looked at him, steadily and warily.
"Hey, Elyse." Braun greeted, softly.
"What do you want?" Elyse asked, looking around.
"There's no press here. Trust me." Braun assured her.
Elyse narrowed her eyes, "How can I trust you?"
Braun sighed and held his hands up in surrender, "I just wanted to apologize."
Elyse didn't say anything. Instead, she stared at him, indecorously.
"That…That was a beautiful speech. You and him. I…I know that everything has been messed up for you and him, and I truly want to apologize to you. I've hurt not only you, but everyone around you." Braun stated, apologetically.
Elyse looked away and she crossed her arms, but she let him continue.
"…Elyse, I know that whatever we had is over, has been over. I'm sorry that I ever tried to pursue you when it's obvious that it wasn't meant to be." Braun pleaded.
"We're both at fault. And I thank you for your apology. I'm sorry, too, Braun." Elyse stated.
Braun nodded and coughed slightly, he scratched his head sheepishly. Elyse smiled at him in return, trying to be reassuring.
Braun softened at that.
"…I'm glad you're happy, Elyse." Braun stated, offering an olive branch.
Elyse scoffed at that, "Do I look happy?"
Braun nodded, his smile still soft, "Especially when you hugged Erwin onstage. You guys are truly in love."
That shocked Elyse into a standstill.
"In love?" Elyse echoed, confused.
Braun stared at her, and to her surprise, Braun groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Are you serious, Elyse? You're being serious, aren't you? You really think that you're not in love with the man." Braun pointed out, frustrated.
"It was a—"
"It wasn't an act. We've both been in an act before. I know you're acting, Elyse. Just drop it, Elyse. You love the man."
Elyse stiffened, "You don't know what's been happening for the past year, Braun."
"Let me guess. You guys had a fight. You gave him an ultimatum. He didn't come back. You left him. Yet, here you guys are." Braun stated.
Elyse widened her eyes, "How did you…?"
Braun shook his head in frustration, "It's what you've guys been doing since whenever this started."
"But, you know what, Elyse? You're still with him. You're still here. You cried with him. Why is that, Elyse?" Braun asked, pointedly.
Elyse shook her head, backing away slightly.
"That's not it, Braun. Even…Even if I did…our problems are just too big—"
"Too big? You just announced to the world that you both lost a child when it came to that shooting. Yet, you embraced each other and cried together. Whatever problems you guys have…I'm sure you can overcome them."
Elyse pondered his words, and her heart began to beat furiously.
She…
She was in love with Erwin.
She loved Erwin.
She loves Erwin.
"Elyse." A voice sounded from behind her and she turned around, immediately. She saw Erwin coming towards her, and she saw a relieved smile on his face. That disappeared when he saw the person behind her.
Before she knew it, Elyse watched as Erwin's face clouded over with anger and he turned back around and walked the other direction.
"Erwin!" Elyse called out to him, but he didn't turn back around.
Elyse turned to face Braun and he gave her a knowing smile.
"Go."
That's all she needed to hear.
It wasn't hard finding him. She found him staring out at the water next to the venue of the after party. She could hear the chatter and music disappear slightly as she approached Erwin's backside.
"Are you going to tell me that you want to get back with Braun, Elyse? If that's so, can you just sign the divorce papers and get it over with?" Erwin stated, quietly, as he heard her approaching.
"Erwin…please let me explain." Elyse pleaded, softly.
Erwin turned to face her and his anger was replaced with tiredness as he stared at her.
"Elyse. Let's stop this, okay? Let's sign the papers. We can have joint custody of the kids, we'll make it work."
"Stop what, Erwin?" Elyse asked, suddenly scared at his words.
"Pretending. Pretending that we're okay. Pretending that we can stand each other. Let this go." Erwin stated, each word a strike to her heart.
"Then, can you meet me halfway? Can you hear me out, please?" Elyse pleaded, her heart breaking at the thought of him disappearing from her life.
"Elyse…" Erwin trailed off and he looked at her, warily.
"…When you came into my life, I had thought you a distraction. Something that could take my mind out of my twisted life. Then, the unexpected happened and I got pregnant with Armin. Ever since then, I…I have been through up and downs in my life, but you remained constant. Then, you got angry and I felt horrible. You left. You left when I gave you an ultimatum. And, I've never felt so confused and lost in my life. I didn't know what to do. I tried to just get rid of every aspect of you, but it was impossible. When I heard about your PTSD, I didn't think twice. I came to you, and so many people, even my brother, asked why. I could never figure it out."
"What do you want me to do, Elyse?" Erwin asked her, automatically.
"I want you to tell me why. Why do you think you make me miserable?" Elyse asked, softly.
Erwin froze at that and then he relaxed, "So, you heard?"
Elyse nodded, feeling a bit guilty, but she had been curious about it ever since she heard her father-in-law ask Erwin that one question that had been haunting her, "Why do you keep coming back, Erwin?"
Erwin didn't answer as he clenched his jaw.
"I'm not coming back, Elyse. If you heard everything else, then you've heard my answer." Erwin replied, casually.
"So, you're saying if I sign the papers, you're not going to come back." Elyse stated.
Erwin nodded, and Elyse could tell he was struggling to fight back something.
"I don't want to." Elyse finally answered, standing her ground.
Erwin looked at her, exasperated, desperateness in his eyes.
"Then, what do you want, Elyse? What could you possibly want from me? Braun wants you. Every other guy in the world wants you. What do you want from me?" Erwin hissed, frustrated.
"Erwin—"
"Elyse, let's stop this, please. I can't do this anymore." Erwin cut her off, angrily, about to storm off.
Elyse faced his backside and she took a deep breath.
"Erwin, please."
"What, Elyse? Why do you keep doing this?" Erwin shouted, turning to face her, his cold gaze focused on her.
"Because I love you." Elyse answered, her voice raised and her heart beating furiously.
Time seemed to be at a standstill. Both of them just staring at each other.
"…What?" Erwin asked, the silence finally being broken.
"…I love you, Erwin. Okay? I've been fighting it the moment I was close to realizing what this was, but I can't anymore. Braun even pointed it out to me. I can't lose you anymore, and I can't pretend that everything is fine. I'm willing to work on this. On us. Because…I fucking love you, you asshole." Elyse stated, frustrated.
She had been looking down the entire time and heart began to pound every single time she heard Erwin's footsteps come a bit closer.
She was forced to look up as Erwin grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. She was met with those unreadable icy blue eyes that she had tried to forget for so long.
"Do you really? Do you truly love me?" Erwin asked, his voice hard and strained.
Elyse tried to search his eyes, and she gave up when she couldn't read anything.
"Yes, I do. I love you, you insufferable ass—"
The hardness of his kiss cut her off, and Elyse felt his hands drop down to her waist as he pulled her closer. She missed him. It overwhelmed her; his scent, his lips, and his touch.
None of this was perfect or pristine.
And, for once, Elyse embraced the unexpected.
A:N/ Have a great Thanksgiving as you finally revel in the fact that this has finally happened.
