#erwin smith reader insert

“What will you do, Erwin?” Levi asked his commander and friend once again as they spoke in the ruins of Eren’s hometown. 

Erwin’s whole life was dedicated to finding out the truth; he was too drunk to realize that he needed to have dreams for himself, not just for humanity. 

“What will you do when this dream is all over?”

Erwin’s mind flashed to the night in the mess hall. There was something very different about you that night - a look in your eyes that he couldn’t quite lay his finger on. He remembers Hange shoving his arm with her elbow as she caught him staring. 

“Tell them, Erwin.”

He thought of his life’s work, his father, and his dedication to humanity. He thought of your smile at a sandy beach, the waves moving against your bare feet. Your laughter as you walked through town, messing with Levi. Your soft lips, and the way you danced at a queen’s ball. He was never the priority, even in his own life. 

“No, I don’t think I will.”

He smiled up at Levi, who was waiting for an answer. 

“I don’t know. It will just happen when the time comes.” Levi let out a “tch” before speaking. 

“Then die. Ride out with your dream and die with it.”

You regretted never telling him. You had worked up the courage to tell him the night before the mission to reclaim Wall Maria, but it had completely faltered the minute you laid eyes on him. And now, he was out doing god knows what right inside the walls with Levi. 

You had taken the gamble on you still living by the end of what would hopefully be another victory for humanity. 

Erwin was always known for his gambles - riding everything, the entire hope for humanity, on a gamble. They had always worked out in the end, one way or another, but the consequences were the lives of your comrades. 

Perhaps his devotion was just one reason why you found yourself falling for him. Perhaps it was the way his eyes shimmered on a sunny day, or maybe it was because no matter how cruel this world was, he was still the kind man you met and came to know. You would gladly follow him to the ends of the earth, and even into the unknown. His words and actions inspired you, and you trusted in him with every fiber of your being. 

You were dead wrong about the gamble. 

There were no emotions processing when you stared at the charred body of Armin. You had quickly urged Levi to take out the metal container he held in his possession. 

When a recruit landed with a familiar blonde on his back, you lost your mind. Your thoughts were everywhere, and you barely processed any of the words being thrown between Levi, Eren, Hange, and Mikasa. All you could focus on was the man you loved, his limp hand in yours, his breathing almost nonexistent. You studied how pale he was, how dark the circles under his eyes were, and how still he seemed to be. 

Who would Levi choose to save? Armin was just a kid, a incredibly intelligent one as well. He had dreams, aspirations, and friends. But... Erwin. The man you loved, the man you never told. His words inspired the hearts of all his scouts, and he was hope for humanity. 

Who would he have chosen? Himself?

“Everyone, leave!” Levi’s shout had phased you enough for you to come out of your thoughts. Before you knew it, you were dragged away by Jean. Behind Levi’s steel eyes, you saw the pain he so desperately tried to hide from you as he watch you fly away. 

As you waited for a flash, your heart stayed in conflict. 

Within another minute, you found a blonde titan picking up Berthodlt and devouring him. Your breath caught in your throat - Levi chose Armin. 

You couldn’t tell if you were crushed or relieved. 

Immediately, you flew back to Levi and Erwin, your Captain and friend giving you a look you couldn’t quite read - even with the steel in his eyes. As he move to sit by Hange, you heard the smallest of whispers. 

Your heart jolted as you rushed to Erwin’s side. He had been whispering your name. 

“Commander? I’m here. It’s me.” You had tears already falling down your dirt-stained cheeks, and you willed yourself to not break apart - not just yet. 

He whispered your name again, his eyes barely fluttering open. His vision was blurry, but he could still recognize your beautiful face from anywhere. He felt your hand in his, your other cupping his face. 

“It was you.” He whispered, as a final tear fell from his ocean blue eyes. 

“What? Erwin...?” You saw the beginning of a barely-there smile gracing his lips. 

“You were my new dream.” Your heart thudded so loudly within your chest that you thought you’d explode. Tears continued to fall down your cheeks as you realized what he was saying. 

“And you were mine.” 

Together (Sequel I)

Forever (Sequel II)

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