If Only For A Little While

Training

Eren

"Training?" I frowned.

Erwin nodded and crossed his arms over his broad chest, leaning back in his chair he replied, "Yes, no offense kid but I doubt you have what it takes to hold your own against a Titan. I and a few other Recons will be responsible for training you."

"But I only have two weeks, what could I possibly learn in that short of time?"

"Would you rather go in without any idea what to do? No way to defend yourself?" Erwin braced his hands on the wooden desk and rose to his feet. His eyes narrowed, piercing me with a fierceness that sent chills down my spine, "This is your best option Eren, I suggest you take it."

I looked down and dug the toe of my shoe into the carpet and clenched my hands into fists at my side. I didn't really know how to take all of this. To be honest I was overwhelmed. I couldn't let Erwin see that though, otherwise he might have second thoughts on letting me join this fight. I wanted to fight- no, I needed to be a part of this fight. It was the only way I could avenge my mother.

I swallowed the lump that had begun to form in my throat and nodded vigorously, "I'll do it."

"Great!" Erwin smiled, rounding the table to stand in front of me and clapped a hand on my shoulder. I could feel how strong he was through his hold on me, it surprised me at first. How had Levi taken such a powerful man without a second thought? Levi hadn't felt nearly as powerful, though I suppose he did have a talent of holding things back. There was no denying the shorter man was strong, but part of me wondered if Erwin had let Levi strike him.

My heart tightened at the thought of Levi. That's right, mere hours before it had been his strength that had ricocheted throughout my body. It had been his hands touching me, holding me. I closed my eyes, reminiscing in the memory of the feel of his lips against my skin. The aching feeling in my chest only grew as I recalled the conversation that had followed that blissful moment.

"I love you, I love you more than anything else in this entire universe."

"No, you don't. Get that delusion out of your head."

"Eren? Is something wrong?"

I blinked back the tears that had begun to form, when had I started crying? "No nothing sir," I told Erwin as I wiped my eyes, "Eyelash."

Erwin didn't look convinced but he didn't press the issue any further, "Alright then, well if you don't mind if like you to begin training now."

"Now?" I gasped.

"I have faith in you," Erwin draped his arm over my shoulder and led me out of his office, "I was thinking I could start with you tomorrow but that Levi could train you a bit today-"

"No!" I recoiled, backing away from Erwin. He stared at me, dumbfounded, with his arm still partially extended towards me.

"No?" He asked.

"I mean," I blushed and looked away, "I  just don't really want to see Levi right now."

"Am I allowed to ask why?"

I sighed, "It's... complicated."

"I understand," he chuckled, "I can train you for today then. Though I suggest that you make up with him soon." He gestured for me to follow him. I trailed closely behind him.