Greiving

by Lazulite Dragon

Everyone has someone they care for. But the battle for humanity is still in full swing, and while some have been honorably discharged, like Levi himself, most can't go home for one reason or another. After all, only the best are put on the front line. (This is a series of short snaps into people's lives, and the trail of grief followed through each timeline.)

2. When Life got Rough

Erwin had grown to the concept of change.

He had accustomed to seeing faces flash in and out of existence. countless soldiers sacrificed for humanity's survival.

Erwin was used to the bed that was so small he ended up sleeping over his desk. But there would be things Erwin never got used to: Love.

How he loved Hange's continuous care and support, her perpetual fascination with the titans, and the god-awful jokes, dad worthy jokes punchlines that every cadet yearned to hear. How he loved Levi's concealed kindness and the rare moments he spared the cadets warmth after a particularly rough mission.

Right now, Erwin sat slumped over his desk mourning the lost faces. The group photo in his hand fluttered to the ground, their faces all happy. Frozen in time forever. The trembling was slow to start but it steadily took over Erwin's body, he buried his face in his crossed arms on his desk.

The sobs are silent and breathless. Erwin misses his squad, the first group he was accustomed to regularly seeing. His family.

Erwin had grown to love them, and then lost them in three, very short days.

Erwin misses Levi's warmth, and he misses Hange's support.