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Description
You walked over to the large cherry tree at the edge of the clearing. Its branches were covered in a thick array of pink cherry blossoms and petals danced down from above like spring snowflakes, majestic and beautiful. You stood under the tree, looking up at its blooming beauty. This was what you loved the most about spring, the way everything seemed to come alive in one big beautiful burst, adding colour and life to everything around it. Only a few months earlier in winter the tree had been barren, stripped of all beauty by the cold winter wrath. But now it was blossoming again and the view was spectacular.

You placed you book on the floor before setting yourself down on the soft petal covered grass, sitting under the tree so you could use its thick trunk as a back rest. Once you were comfortable you crossed your legs and placed your book on your lap, opening it to the correct page and taking out your bookmark. A soft wind started to play with your hair, making it dance in its calming breeze. You smiled softly as you read, enjoying the peacefulness of the day and the pleasant sun that hit you through the gaps in the tree.

Erwin looked out his window, his back straight and eyes sharp. While the lower ranking members got a day off, he however could not afford that luxury. He had too many plans to make, too many details to look over and far too much paperwork to do. He waited patiently for Levi, deciding he could enjoy the day by looking at others enjoy it rather than experiencing it himself. Erwin’s eyes passed over a group of recruits walking towards town; there small shapes bounced along excitedly like little terriers who wanted their owner to throw them the ball one more time. Erwin smiled at this, the new recruits were always so excitable, he wished he had there energy. Erwin’s eyes wandered the yard till they stopped at the cherry tree. Its branches were in full bloom, the pink flowers covered the tree like a cotton blanket, and petals ambled down from its heights care free and gorgeous.

What caught Erwin’s attention the most was the girl under the tree. There she sat, her (h/c) hair danced lightly in the wind, delicate yet strong. Her (e/c) eyes were sharp and gleaming as they glided easily over the pages of the book she held in her firm hands. She was beautifully strong, a perfect contrast to the tree. She was of average looks, she wasn’t pretty but wasn’t ugly either however Erwin knew of her fighting spirit. After watching her train, clean and work he knew she was strong and that she wasn’t afraid. She was determined and powerful, a no nonsense type of girl. She was also obedient and respected authority figures, following orders to the letter however she didn’t kiss there arses either. If she thought something was up she would question why. She took action when necessary and was well respected by her teammates.

Erwin had grown fond of her over the last few months. He had talked to her a few times, had conversations about the upcoming expedition, views on the military and just casual chit chat. She’d even had a little joke with him but always stayed strong and proper, wearing a worn smile, showing that she’d been through a lot. Erwin watched her turn the page of her book, becoming almost trapped by her when he watched her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Tch, I didn’t think you were the type who spied on little girls” came a voice from behind him, snapping Erwin out of his trance. Erwin didn’t move but just smiled, “I didn’t think you were the type who paided so much attention to what other people were doing.” Erwin said turning around to face the voice, his arms behind his back “Levi.” Levi was leaning against the doorframe, arms folded against his chest and a smirk painted on his face. Levi pushed himself off the doorframe with his shoulder and walked slowly over to were Erwin now stood behind his desk. “Why don’t you talk to her?” Levi asked sounding bored, though Erwin could see the concern in his eyes, Erwin could always read Levi, he was the only one who could. Erwin shrugged “I have” he replied simply not wanting to talk about (f/n), talking about her always gave him butterflies. Levi glared at Erwin clearly not wanting to drop the subject. “I meant tell her how you feel not chit chat about the weather” Levi said in his no nonsense tone. Erwin smiled and cast his gaze down “who said I had feelings for her? She’s a good soldier, nothing more.”

Levi leaned against Erwin’s desk, arms still crossed firmly across his chest. “Tch, I can read you like a book Erwin don’t try to bullshit me, I see the way you look at her.” Levi and Erwin’s eyes clashed as he said this though Erwin held Levi’s stoic gaze with ease. “You need to tell her before something happens, before she goes out there and never comes back. At the very least so you stop acting like a love sick idiot when she’s in range.”

Erwin waited for Levi to finish before speaking, letting his words gentle float about in his head, taking them in but not wanting to hear them. He knew Levi was right, not about acting like a love sick idiot but about talking to her. However he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He would get close form a bond then she would die on a mission. Erwin didn’t want to go through that pain. Not ever. “When you’re quite done lecturing me do you want to get this meeting started?” Erwin said sounding bored. “We have a lot of plans to make and we have no time to waste on pointless pursuits about things that don’t really matter.”

Levi stood up suddenly and walked towards the door. “No” he said simply “I’m not having your meeting till you talk to her.” Erwin blinked at him, if this was anyone else Erwin would have punished them greatly for neglecting such an important task, but this was Levi and Levi wasn’t just anyone. “What?” Erwin asked “this is serious Levi stop messing around; soldier’s lives hang in the balance here if we don’t get this done by the end of today at the latest.” Levi just smirked “well you better talk to her soon then, shouldn’t you.” And with that Levi left. Erwin just looked at the door where Levi had been before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Fine then” Erwin muttered “you win.”

*****

Erwin walked over to the cherry tree, his back straight and arms firmly tucked behind him. He looked at (f/n) as he walked. She hadn’t noticed him yet; she was too caught up in whatever book she was reading to see his approaching figure. Erwin finally reached the tree, drinking in the scene before him. Everything was perfect, the way the soft pink petals covered the grass, the way the gentle breeze played with your hair, the beautiful blooms above you both and the way the sunlight dappled the ground with its golden light. It was all so gorgeous, and you were at the centre of it all.

“Greetings (l/n)” Erwin said looking down at your hardy form. You look up to see your commander staring down at you, the commander you’d come to respect so much. “Commander Erwin” you say, standing up quickly and giving him a strong salute. “What do you need sir?” you ask, your eyes facing forward, back straight and salute not wavering. Erwin looked you over, your hands were ruff and your face was worn but your eyes were sharp and blazing with determination. Erwin took in your battered appearance, appreciating all you had been through before he looked at your salute, god he loved your salute. While other soldiers just saluted because it was necessary you really did offer your heart for humanity and Erwin respected that the most.

“At ease soldier” Erwin said, allowing a small smile to grace his lips. Slowly you let your salute fall but you kept your back straight and chin up. “What do you need commander?” you asked again causing Erwin’s smile to grow slightly. “Nothing” Erwin answered “I simply wanted to take a stroll; this tree is very beautiful isn’t it?” You look up at the tree, watching the wind play with the petals. “Yes it is” you say quietly.

Erwin watches you gaze up at the tree. From the way you’re tilting your head he could see a scar on your neck from a past battle and all Erwin can think about was how he would like to kiss it away, to make the only marks on your neck ones he’s made himself. “Can I sit with you?” he asks causing you to turn your attention towards him. You give him a quick look before nodding. “Sure” you say smiling “of course you can sir.” Erwin gestures his thanks before you both sit down however you’re surprised by how close Erwin sits to you.

“So how are you enjoying your day off?” Erwin asks calmly, you could practically feel his breath on your face due to your closeness although it felt strangely nice. Normally you didn’t like your personal space being invaded but you didn’t mind it so much when Erwin was invading it. It just felt right. “I’m glad for the down time” you answer honestly “I’m just happy it’s such a nice day, it would have been a lot less pleasant if it was raining. Still we should be glad that spring is finally here, it was a long and harsh winter and a lot of people have suffered for it.” Your voice trails a bit before you realize that maybe you’ve made the mood a bit down. Thinking quickly you try to lighten things up again. “Spring has always been my favourite season” you say smiling “it’s always so beautiful, probably the most beautiful thing in this cruel world.” Erwin nodded “It is beautiful” he agreed, “but I have to disagree, it’s not the most beautiful thing.” You smile at him, “what do you think is then?” you ask interest in Erwin’s views on things.

Erwin suddenly looked very serious, “how comfortable do you feel around me?” he asked as he searched your eyes from something. You gave him a cautious look before answering, “Well I trust and respect you greatly if that’s what you mean sir.” You say, letting yourself relax. “But how comfortable do I feel? Hmm, I feel fairly comfortable around you sir, I mean I trust you not to do anything dangerous or hurt me in any way, if that’s what you mean.” Erwin sighed, clearly not happy with your answer. “That will have to do” he said, “forgive me if this offends you in any way.”

Before you even had time to question his words he leaned forward and gentle placed his lips on yours. Your eyes grew wide as you processed the kiss, your whole body shocked by his one action. However you relaxed after a second, gently moving a hand to his neck to hold him close. His lips weren’t soft but they weren’t rough either and there gentle movements against your own made you quiver in delight. Once he pulled away you quickly moved your hand away from his neck, a blush rising on your battle scarred face. “C-commander” you say, your voice unusually soft “I-I.”

Erwin takes your stammering as a sign of rejection and that you only went along with it because he was your superior. “I’m sorry (f/n), please forgive me” he said before he started to get up but you quickly grabbed his arm. “Wait! Please don’t leave me” you say, holding him tightly. Erwin turns to look at you and he sees what he was looking for in your eyes. He leans in again and you do as well, meeting for another kiss. “I love you” he whispers after your kiss has ended, “you’re so beautiful to me, I promise I will never leave you.” You smile at him, showing him your true smile. “I love you too, Erwin. I loved you for so long.”

You shared kisses under the cherry blossoms, beneath the spring suns warmth. And even when he left to do the work with Levi, he came back as soon as he finished, because he promised to never leave you. He made his promise, but you forgot to make yours.

That was your first spring together...

And you’re last.

Description
You walked over to the large cherry tree at the edge of the clearing. Its branches were covered in a thick array of pink cherry blossoms and petals danced down from above like spring snowflakes, majestic and beautiful. You stood under the tree, looking up at its blooming beauty. This was what you loved the most about spring, the way everything seemed to come alive in one big beautiful burst, adding colour and life to everything around it. Only a few months earlier in winter the tree had been barren, stripped of all beauty by the cold winter wrath. But now it was blossoming again and the view was spectacular.

You placed you book on the floor before setting yourself down on the soft petal covered grass, sitting under the tree so you could use its thick trunk as a back rest. Once you were comfortable you crossed your legs and placed your book on your lap, opening it to the correct page and taking out your bookmark. A soft wind started to play with your hair, making it dance in its calming breeze. You smiled softly as you read, enjoying the peacefulness of the day and the pleasant sun that hit you through the gaps in the tree.

Erwin looked out his window, his back straight and eyes sharp. While the lower ranking members got a day off, he however could not afford that luxury. He had too many plans to make, too many details to look over and far too much paperwork to do. He waited patiently for Levi, deciding he could enjoy the day by looking at others enjoy it rather than experiencing it himself. Erwin’s eyes passed over a group of recruits walking towards town; there small shapes bounced along excitedly like little terriers who wanted their owner to throw them the ball one more time. Erwin smiled at this, the new recruits were always so excitable, he wished he had there energy. Erwin’s eyes wandered the yard till they stopped at the cherry tree. Its branches were in full bloom, the pink flowers covered the tree like a cotton blanket, and petals ambled down from its heights care free and gorgeous.

What caught Erwin’s attention the most was the girl under the tree. There she sat, her (h/c) hair danced lightly in the wind, delicate yet strong. Her (e/c) eyes were sharp and gleaming as they glided easily over the pages of the book she held in her firm hands. She was beautifully strong, a perfect contrast to the tree. She was of average looks, she wasn’t pretty but wasn’t ugly either however Erwin knew of her fighting spirit. After watching her train, clean and work he knew she was strong and that she wasn’t afraid. She was determined and powerful, a no nonsense type of girl. She was also obedient and respected authority figures, following orders to the letter however she didn’t kiss there arses either. If she thought something was up she would question why. She took action when necessary and was well respected by her teammates.

Erwin had grown fond of her over the last few months. He had talked to her a few times, had conversations about the upcoming expedition, views on the military and just casual chit chat. She’d even had a little joke with him but always stayed strong and proper, wearing a worn smile, showing that she’d been through a lot. Erwin watched her turn the page of her book, becoming almost trapped by her when he watched her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Tch, I didn’t think you were the type who spied on little girls” came a voice from behind him, snapping Erwin out of his trance. Erwin didn’t move but just smiled, “I didn’t think you were the type who paided so much attention to what other people were doing.” Erwin said turning around to face the voice, his arms behind his back “Levi.” Levi was leaning against the doorframe, arms folded against his chest and a smirk painted on his face. Levi pushed himself off the doorframe with his shoulder and walked slowly over to were Erwin now stood behind his desk. “Why don’t you talk to her?” Levi asked sounding bored, though Erwin could see the concern in his eyes, Erwin could always read Levi, he was the only one who could. Erwin shrugged “I have” he replied simply not wanting to talk about (f/n), talking about her always gave him butterflies. Levi glared at Erwin clearly not wanting to drop the subject. “I meant tell her how you feel not chit chat about the weather” Levi said in his no nonsense tone. Erwin smiled and cast his gaze down “who said I had feelings for her? She’s a good soldier, nothing more.”

Levi leaned against Erwin’s desk, arms still crossed firmly across his chest. “Tch, I can read you like a book Erwin don’t try to bullshit me, I see the way you look at her.” Levi and Erwin’s eyes clashed as he said this though Erwin held Levi’s stoic gaze with ease. “You need to tell her before something happens, before she goes out there and never comes back. At the very least so you stop acting like a love sick idiot when she’s in range.”

Erwin waited for Levi to finish before speaking, letting his words gentle float about in his head, taking them in but not wanting to hear them. He knew Levi was right, not about acting like a love sick idiot but about talking to her. However he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He would get close form a bond then she would die on a mission. Erwin didn’t want to go through that pain. Not ever. “When you’re quite done lecturing me do you want to get this meeting started?” Erwin said sounding bored. “We have a lot of plans to make and we have no time to waste on pointless pursuits about things that don’t really matter.”

Levi stood up suddenly and walked towards the door. “No” he said simply “I’m not having your meeting till you talk to her.” Erwin blinked at him, if this was anyone else Erwin would have punished them greatly for neglecting such an important task, but this was Levi and Levi wasn’t just anyone. “What?” Erwin asked “this is serious Levi stop messing around; soldier’s lives hang in the balance here if we don’t get this done by the end of today at the latest.” Levi just smirked “well you better talk to her soon then, shouldn’t you.” And with that Levi left. Erwin just looked at the door where Levi had been before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Fine then” Erwin muttered “you win.”

*****

Erwin walked over to the cherry tree, his back straight and arms firmly tucked behind him. He looked at (f/n) as he walked. She hadn’t noticed him yet; she was too caught up in whatever book she was reading to see his approaching figure. Erwin finally reached the tree, drinking in the scene before him. Everything was perfect, the way the soft pink petals covered the grass, the way the gentle breeze played with your hair, the beautiful blooms above you both and the way the sunlight dappled the ground with its golden light. It was all so gorgeous, and you were at the centre of it all.

“Greetings (l/n)” Erwin said looking down at your hardy form. You look up to see your commander staring down at you, the commander you’d come to respect so much. “Commander Erwin” you say, standing up quickly and giving him a strong salute. “What do you need sir?” you ask, your eyes facing forward, back straight and salute not wavering. Erwin looked you over, your hands were ruff and your face was worn but your eyes were sharp and blazing with determination. Erwin took in your battered appearance, appreciating all you had been through before he looked at your salute, god he loved your salute. While other soldiers just saluted because it was necessary you really did offer your heart for humanity and Erwin respected that the most.

“At ease soldier” Erwin said, allowing a small smile to grace his lips. Slowly you let your salute fall but you kept your back straight and chin up. “What do you need commander?” you asked again causing Erwin’s smile to grow slightly. “Nothing” Erwin answered “I simply wanted to take a stroll; this tree is very beautiful isn’t it?” You look up at the tree, watching the wind play with the petals. “Yes it is” you say quietly.

Erwin watches you gaze up at the tree. From the way you’re tilting your head he could see a scar on your neck from a past battle and all Erwin can think about was how he would like to kiss it away, to make the only marks on your neck ones he’s made himself. “Can I sit with you?” he asks causing you to turn your attention towards him. You give him a quick look before nodding. “Sure” you say smiling “of course you can sir.” Erwin gestures his thanks before you both sit down however you’re surprised by how close Erwin sits to you.

“So how are you enjoying your day off?” Erwin asks calmly, you could practically feel his breath on your face due to your closeness although it felt strangely nice. Normally you didn’t like your personal space being invaded but you didn’t mind it so much when Erwin was invading it. It just felt right. “I’m glad for the down time” you answer honestly “I’m just happy it’s such a nice day, it would have been a lot less pleasant if it was raining. Still we should be glad that spring is finally here, it was a long and harsh winter and a lot of people have suffered for it.” Your voice trails a bit before you realize that maybe you’ve made the mood a bit down. Thinking quickly you try to lighten things up again. “Spring has always been my favourite season” you say smiling “it’s always so beautiful, probably the most beautiful thing in this cruel world.” Erwin nodded “It is beautiful” he agreed, “but I have to disagree, it’s not the most beautiful thing.” You smile at him, “what do you think is then?” you ask interest in Erwin’s views on things.

Erwin suddenly looked very serious, “how comfortable do you feel around me?” he asked as he searched your eyes from something. You gave him a cautious look before answering, “Well I trust and respect you greatly if that’s what you mean sir.” You say, letting yourself relax. “But how comfortable do I feel? Hmm, I feel fairly comfortable around you sir, I mean I trust you not to do anything dangerous or hurt me in any way, if that’s what you mean.” Erwin sighed, clearly not happy with your answer. “That will have to do” he said, “forgive me if this offends you in any way.”

Before you even had time to question his words he leaned forward and gentle placed his lips on yours. Your eyes grew wide as you processed the kiss, your whole body shocked by his one action. However you relaxed after a second, gently moving a hand to his neck to hold him close. His lips weren’t soft but they weren’t rough either and there gentle movements against your own made you quiver in delight. Once he pulled away you quickly moved your hand away from his neck, a blush rising on your battle scarred face. “C-commander” you say, your voice unusually soft “I-I.”

Erwin takes your stammering as a sign of rejection and that you only went along with it because he was your superior. “I’m sorry (f/n), please forgive me” he said before he started to get up but you quickly grabbed his arm. “Wait! Please don’t leave me” you say, holding him tightly. Erwin turns to look at you and he sees what he was looking for in your eyes. He leans in again and you do as well, meeting for another kiss. “I love you” he whispers after your kiss has ended, “you’re so beautiful to me, I promise I will never leave you.” You smile at him, showing him your true smile. “I love you too, Erwin. I loved you for so long.”

You shared kisses under the cherry blossoms, beneath the spring suns warmth. And even when he left to do the work with Levi, he came back as soon as he finished, because he promised to never leave you. He made his promise, but you forgot to make yours.

That was your first spring together...

And you’re last.