If Only For A Little While

Invasion

Two weeks later

Eren

"We head out in one hour!" Erwin's booming voice announced to the large group of Recons. There were around 50 men and women gathered here to risk their lives to stop these monsters, or rather Titans. Vicious people who disregarded the sanctity of life every day of their lives. Who killed for no good reason, like how they'd killed my mother. They deserved what was coming for them.

"Eren," Levi's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Are you sure you want to do this? It's not too late to back down."

I waved my hand any him, gesturing for him to forget it, "I'm doing this, don't try to stop me okay?"

He sighed, "Alright."

Our interactions had been tense the past two weeks. Ever since all the events that'd unfolded that first day here the two of us had kept to ourselves. Levi had worked over plans and strategy with Erwin while I had trained with some of the other Recons.

"Ready to kick some Titan ass?" A familiar voice chirped, draping their arm casually over my shoulder. Levi's gaze shot daggers at the other man.

"Ready as ever Olou," I laughed. A small red-headed woman skipped over to us, beaming like a proud mother.

"You'll do great!" Petra grinned. Her and Olou had been a few of the Recons who'd been assigned to my training along with two others. They were good but nothing compared to Levi or Erwin.

"Are Eld and Gunter coming?" I asked them.

"Tch, like they'd miss out on a fight like this." Olou scoffed.

"Quit imitating Levi," Petra giggled, "You'll never be anywhere near as cool as him."

He blushed angrily, "I'm not imitating anyone! I'm just-"

"Oy both of you shut up," Levi ordered, clearly annoyed, "Go help your comrades prepare for the fight."

"Yessir," Petra obeyed, dragging Olou along with her. I watched then disappear into the crowd before returning my gaze to my own gear.

We were each provided a knife, a fully loaded glock, a small ration of extra ammunition and bullets, and a whistle. I picked up the silver whistle and examined it thoughtfully, "What's this for?" I asked Levi.

"In case you're in trouble, out of ammo or lost your knife or something. Blow it to signal the others that you need help." He replied.

"Ah okay," I nodded, hanging it on my neck with the chord that'd been attached to it. "Thanks Levi."

"It's nothing," he looked away, "Eren listen to me, it's going to get bad out there. Promise me you won't leave my side the entire fight."

"What if I-" I protested.

"Promise?"

Sighing, I answered, "I promise."

"Thank you," Levi turned to look me in the eye. I blushed and looked away, remembering when he's compared them to his little sister's. She's died in a fight and I didn't want to cause Levi any pain by reminding him.

"Levi-" I started to say but was interrupted by Erwin's booming voice once more.

"Fall into formation! Break off into your groups and make your way to the Titan's base. If you're caught before you get there do not blow your whistle, retreat and find another way to the Titan's base. Are we all clear?"

The Recons all saluted and called out, confirming Erwin's orders. I glanced over at Levi. His eyes were focused directly at Erwin. His face had gone paler than usual and his jaw was clenched tightly. I reached out and took his hand to calm him down.