Chapter Text
You sighed observing your own reflection in your dingy mirror. You were getting ready for another day at your job in Stohess. You had recently finished your schooling and since you weren't brave enough to be a cadet this was your life now. Things have been difficult for you so far. Your mother passed away recently leaving just you and your father and without her income funds were tight.
You and your father made it work but it wasn't the same. You two barely spoke and when you did it was brief. You know he cared for you but there was a hole in your heart that couldn't be filled. You squeezed your mothers necklace as a wave of sadness washed over you again. Why did it have to be her? Your thoughts were interrupted by a knock on your door. You muttered a grumpy come in and your father walked in and sat beside you.
“I know you're leaving soon but do you remember your Uncle Erwin?”
You furrowed your brows. Of course you remembered him. He wasn't your uncle by blood but he was your fathers best friend from the scouts who basically helped raise you. Erwin had been a constant presence in your childhood until six years ago when he became understandably busy fighting wars outside the wall. You close your eyes and try to picture the way you remember him. His tall frame, intelligent eyes, and soothing voice.
“Of course, why are you bringing him up now? We haven't seen him in years?”
Having Erwin go from a constant presence to not being there at all affected you. He had brought light into your dull life. As he climbed the ladder to commander you saw him less and less and then not at all. You wanted to feel angry but understood humanity needed him more than you did.
“I received a letter today. He's found time to visit next week.”
You felt a surge of excitement and father threw his arms around you. Your father was once a bright young man full of hope but war had dimmed his light. You hadn't seen that glimmer in his eyes since mother passed.
The next week passed sluggishly. You lived through the same miserable routine. Get ready, go to work, come home. You had begun to dislike the bar as a whole. When you recently blossomed into a woman you began to receive an array of inappropriate comments from the male customers.
You never thought you were beautiful but you thought your mother was and you grew to resemble her more every day.
When the fateful day eventually arrived you spent extra time getting ready. You put your hair in an elegant updo and dabbed perfume on your wrists and neck. You heard a knock on the door and the sound of it creaking open. You quickly threw on your cleanest dress as you heard a familiar voice ring through the house.
“Greyson, I'm happy to see you in good health.”
You heard Erwin give your father a firm slap on the back as they hugged. His voice sounded the same way it did in your memories.
“You look better than I do! How have you been?”
Your fathers voice was full of delight as he conversed with his friend. They met in training and had been joined at the hip afterwards until recently.
“Ive been just fine Grey. My plan to save us might work out after all. I just might not be there to enjoy it.”
He laughed heartily. You frowned at his words. What did he even mean by that? How could he speak so casually about his own death. It made your skin crawl.
“Well you're our best bet Erwin. You inspire everyone. Y/n has always looked up to you.”
You cringe at your fathers words. Was he trying to embarrass you? Describing you like a lovesick puppy. You did feel inspired by Erwin but who wouldn't? He was the greatest leader the island of Paradis had ever seen. You had heard the stories of his progress.
“I couldn't forget my y/n. Where is the little devil?”
You heard the laughter in his tone as he called you by your childhood nickname.
“y/n come out and greet our guest!"
Your heart thumped as you walked into your small dusty living room. Your home was small but had become slightly dilapidated. Your father was a farmer now and it barely paid enough to keep a roof over your heads and food on the table even with your supplemental income. You locked eyes with the commander and were transported to your girlhood. He hadn't changed much in appearance except for the tired look in his eyes.
“Erwin!”
You flew into his arms just like you used to. His big arms wrapped around you and he pulled you in.
“There she is. You've become quite the beautiful woman while I've been gone.”
You laugh and your face flushes as he holds onto you. You weren't as small anymore but he was still notable larger. You felt tears well up in your eyes.
“Now Sweetheart there's no need for that.”
His rough finger wipes away your tears and you smile up at him.
“Im sorry I just thought I'd never see you again.”
Erwin ran his fingers through your hair and stared at you adoringly. It took your breath away that a man of his caliber could look at someone as average as you that way.
“That's nonsense y/n I couldn't leave my girl behind. You know better than that."
You smiled and released him, returning to sit beside your father across from the commander. You had studied his face many times before but you decided he was very handsome. You listened as your father filled him in on everything that happened after he left. When your mother was inevitably brought up you clench the fabric of your dress. Erwin and her had gotten along splendidly and you know it pained him to hear of her passing.
“I came here on a mission. I want y/n to come stay with me. She would live at headquarters. I believe it would benefit you financially to have one less mouth to feed. All of this would be temporary of course.”
Your eyes widened. Stay with the commander? At scout headquarters? Your father sighed in defeat and stroked his greying stubble.
“It would be beneficial for me to get back on my feet. I also know y/n would be happier there at least for the time being.”
Your heart raced with excitement. You had heard about headquarters in the rural mountainside. They sounded much better than this. Plus, it would give you an excuse to quit your job.
“Well y/n, what do you think?”
Your eyes glimmer with excitement and you nod happily beaming from ear to ear.
“Thats my girl.”