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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

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The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 1: The Girl

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

The Wingman: MASTERLIST

Summary:

Before Erwin Smith and Nile Dawk became respected commanders of the Scouting Legion and the Military Police, they were good friends during their cadet days at the 92nd Cadet Corps. They, along with Mike Zacharias, were young, full of vigor, on the rise to greatness, and had a taste for women and booze.

And they all planned to join the coveted ranks of the Military Police.

But when Nile asked Erwin to write his love letters for a woman named Marie, Erwin starts thinking that maybe even a man like him could dream of falling in love.

Nile once scoffed at Erwin at how he could trade Marie for a life of Titans and death. And this is why.

Author’s Note: Ngl, this quarantine is really getting into my extrovert head, and my emotional and mental health is taking one heck of skinny dip. I NEED human interaction ASDGHJKL AND SO I THOUGHT why not translate all this quarantine angst and anxiety into a story! This idea came to me while cooking for the 2382 time during quarantine and it’s been stick in my head ever since! I’ve always been curious about what happened between Erwin and Marie and thought this would be a fun (albeit heartbreaking) story to tackle.

I wrote this while listening to one the songs from the AOT soundtrack— 2chijou by Hiroyuki Sawano, and Hey Barbara by IV of Spades try listening to it while reading!

Chapter 1: The Girl

The April heat was unforgiving and harsh as the cadets of the 92nd Cadet Corps went about their usual afternoon sparring session. The clear blue skies and the wildflowers scattered about the compound in full bloom casted a perfect backdrop to the heady atmosphere of the early summer. And as beautiful as the day may be, it was also such a bitch.

Erwin Smith and Nile Dawk shrugged off their caramel jackets to prepare for a spar. Their white shirts are already sticking to their backs beneath the April sun. Erwin was just about ready to take down Nile and get over the spar in time for a nice cool shower, and a cigarette paired with a cool glass of whiskey.

And maybe a woman on his lap.

“I’m telling you Erwin, you should have been there. She was gorgeous.”

Erwin rolled his blue eyes at his friend. Nile had just easily spent the morning all but swooning to Erwin about a girl he just met during one of his and Mike’s romps to a bar in Wall Maria’s central hub called Titan Territory. Usually, Erwin would accompany the two, but he just so happened to be off on a visit to his mother at Wall Rose with his brother. The blonde cadet has yet to see the girl, but he does know enough from his friend that “Fuck she was gorgeous! With blazing ginger curls and bright hazel eyes! And her lips! They looked so sweet and plump. With a curvy body to match too!”

“She was like an angel sent by the Goddesses themselves, man,” Nile continued to gush, rubbing his stubble while lost in thought at the mystery girl. Erwin gave a wry smile. Still, he did find some amusement in seeing his friend act like a clingy schoolgirl. Erwin smirked at the raven haired man before him, rolling back his broad shoulders, flexing his muscles for a fight. He was vaguely aware of the lingering glances from the female cadets on the field. “Do you even know her name? Or were you just too busy kissing the ground she walked?” Nile stopped rubbing his peach fuzz, his alabaster features flushing even brighter despite the intense heat.

“I was drunk. I can’t remember her name.”

Erwin chuckled, shaking his head. He carded his hands through his hair, shaking the sweat out of his blonde hair. “You’re too drunk to remember, or she wouldn’t tell you?” The blonde cocked a thick eyebrow.

Nile glared at him as he unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves— At 6’3” Erwin Smith was a good five inches taller than him, and packed more punch and muscle at that. If Nile had any hope of beating the large man, he had to be quick and agile. He needed as much mobility as he could get.

The two men got into position.

“Shut up, poor thing was probably too shy.”

“There’s a fine line between being shy and refusing to entertain a perv,” Erwin jabbed, to which Nile scoffed at.

“OI! SCRUFFY AND EYEBROWS!”

The resounding bark of Cadet Corps Commander, Valentin Müller disturbed the two cadet’s banter. The man was a nightmare. He quite literally looks like a walking corpse, with his eyes sunk in so low into his head, it looked like a talking skull.

“WHAT ARE YA TWO MILKMAIDS GOSSIPING ABOUT?!”

The veins in Müller’s neck might as well have popped out as the old commander’s cold eyes bore into them.

“WHAT ARE YA WAITING FOR?! A TITAN TO SUCK YA DICK?! YA BETTER START PUNCHING EACH OTHER OR IM GOING TO PERSONALLY CART YA PUSSIES OFF TO A TITAN ORGY!”

“Sweet Sina, Müller take a happy pill,” Erwin thinks as he makes eye contact with Nile.

Both men answer back with a firm “Yes Sir!” Nile, the bastard, whispers under his breath, “Corpse Cock’s going to cart us off because he knows he can’t land a punch on us himself.”

Erwin smirks at the brilliant nickname his brother coined for the old commander. The two men knew that they had to start sparring if they didn’t want Müller hounding their ass. Erwin could sense the shift in Nile’s stance. How he dug his feet into the dry dirt of the sparring field in order to stabilize his center of gravity, ready to spring into action. Erwin knew Nile was quick on his feet. And the stubbled man meant business. All Erwin had to do was wait for his first move.

And take the first move he did. Nile, quick as fox, lunged forward to land a solid punch to Erwin’s head. Erwin managed to dodge the blow, but soon, Erwin was on the defensive. The taller man started blocking Nile’s successive attacks until he found an opening; Nile may be faster, but Erwin certainly was smarter.

As a frustrated Nile started throwing punches and kicks in reckless abandon, itching to hit the blonde, he got lucky and landed a blow to the gut. Erwin grunted, and immediately saw the triumph in his opponent’s eyes.

Erwin smirked.

First rule of sparring— a fight isn’t a victory unless you send your opponent to the ground.

Erwin latched onto Nile’s dominant punching arm with a death grip, and twisted the man’s limb behind his back. Nile moved to elbow Erwin in the face but the tall blonde let his advantage in size and strength propel his body to throw Nile over his back. Nile hit the dirt with a heavy thud, the back of his skull knocking on the ground. But he wasn’t quite done yet. Without missing a beat, Nile swept his leg out, knocking Erwin off balance. Nile was on top of Erwin the moment the blonde was on the ground. But before Nile can give the final blow, Erwin knees him in the stomach and rolls over Nile’s buckled form. Erwin immediately reached for the wooden training knife in his boot and positioned it above Nile’s jugular.

“You’re a son of bitch to kill, you know that?”

Erwin was breathless and sweating buckets. Nile was just the same, as he held his hands palms up in surrender. “Part of the magic, Eyebrows.”

“OI MAGGOTS!” Müller’s roar made the two look up. Around them, a number of cadets— most of whom are women— have stopped their own sparring to watch Erwin and Nile fight. One female cadet was even openly fanning herself, looking straight at Erwin.

“STOP WATCHING EYEBROWS AND SCRUFFY HAVE SEX AND KEEP FIGHTING. TRAINING ISN’T OVER YET SCUMBALLS!”

The cadets resumed their sparring with a shaky “Yes Sir!” Once satisfied, Müller stalked off to terrorize some other poor cadet as he glanced at the two vehemently.

Erwin got up on his feet, then held out a hand to his friend. Nile accepted it, rubbing the growing bump at the back of his head. “By the Walls Erwin, could you tell Derek to stop fucking Müller’s daughter so he could stop chewing us out like the gum off his shoe?” Nile frowned as Erwin tossed him a jug of water from the refreshments area under a tree. “I’ve tried that one already. My brother’s a stubborn piece of shit. You think I like Müller hounding my ass?” Erwin replied, his deep voice gravelly in exhaustion. He started chugging down the soothing liquid. His sculpted Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he drank, once again feeling quite a few female stares on him.

“Look at you, a tomcat even without trying.”

Mike Zacharias’ hulking form approached them. His spar has long since finished after making quick work of his opponent in less than two minutes. Mike, for all intents and purposes, was a deadly weapon masked in his calm facade. He stood even taller than Erwin at 6’5” and had the ability to combine Nile’s quick reflexes, and Erwin’s eye for observation (or rather nose) with his own brutal strength and power.

“I could smell all the girls creaming up for you,” Mike smirked.

He is also a lecherous bastard, made even more disconcerting with his ability to ‘sniff people out’. Whatever the fuck that means.

“Better a tomcat than a dog in a rut,” Erwin smirked in reply.

“And that brother is why they call me Bloodhound.” Mike grinned boyishly.

There isn’t a soul in the Cadet Corps who didn’t know about Mike’s many conquests, and he is certainly fine with that.

Mike watched as Nile poured the remaining contents of his jug over his face. He was in desperate need of a cool off and the summer heat was not helping the throbbing in his head. Mike let his large bulk of a body lean against a tree and jabbed his thumb at Nile’s direction. “I take it this one has told you about his new obsession?”

“It’s not an obsession.”

“It’s an obsession if you won’t stop talking about a girl who’s name you don’t even know for three days straight.”

Nile gave Mike a dirty look and flashed his middle finger after he shook off the water from his dark hair, a few dew drops clinging to the unusually long and thick eyelashes that framed his silver eyes. The men heard more than a few feminine gasps at the action.

Meanwhile, Erwin’s blue eyes grew wide. “Three days? I just got back yesterday. Damn, Nile you got it bad,” the blonde chuckled, placing a large hand on his hip as he drank some more water.

“Yeah. Why wait to know her name when you can just corner her in a room and pin her down,” Mike laughed, his deep husk carrying over the warm breeze.

“Because I don’t operate that way,” came Nile’s serious reply.

“i d0N’t oPEraTe tHaT wAy” Erwin and Mike nearly doubled over in a fit, once again causing the girls to gaze over the three handsome men lounging beneath a tree.

But it was true, Nile didn’t operate that way.

Where Mike fucked around with his women in abandon, and Erwin prefered the intoxicating art of seductive subtlety, Nile tended to be the more romantic of the three. While Nile Dawk—with his rugged good looks and his ‘messy but sexy’ appearance, has had more than his fair share of flings and fucks— liked to be sweet to whichever woman he was currently having a fleeting affair with.

“Oh piss off you two. Don’t act as if you won’t jump at the first chance to drink at the Territory then jump at a girl.” The tall blonde man and the tall brunette grinned at each other cheekily.

Yes they certainly would.

—————

Erwin has never been to the Titan Territory. But something about the bar’s lowlighting, sensual music, and the dark haired beauty writhing on his lap told him he’ll soon be a happy regular.

Erwin’s hands held the woman’s waist as he pushed her hips forward to press into his, the woman threw back her silky dark hair with a quiet moan. The large blonde started suckling on her exposed clavicle.

God, Erwin loved brunettes.

He slowly ran his lips up to her slender neck as he reached her ear to whisper hotly, “You’re certainly giving me a pleasurable welcome, Elena.” The woman’s perfume was almost as intoxicating as the whiskey he just downed. Elena pressed her hands onto Erwin’s solid chest, her exotic amber eyes peeking at him lustfully. “I had a feeling you aren’t from around here, Soldier.”

Erwin gave a husky chuckle. His distinct Wall Rose accent was quite often a dead giveaway. He tried to hide the twang during the beginning of his Cadet Training, thinking it would bring him unnecessary attention from his many Wall Marian classmates, wondering what a college educated Wall Rose kid like him is doing training to be in the military. But now that the cat’s out of the bag thanks to Müller furiously announcing it to the whole class during their Introductions Ceremony, Erwin found that the accent not only earns him a subconscious sense of respect from his intimidated classmates, but also that Marian women love to flock a man from the inner Walls.

Erwin ran his large hands up her sides. “And neither are you, kitten.” Elena’s exotic olive skin and cat-like eyes told Erwin she must be from the Eastern District of Wall Maria, who were known for their sunshine, coffee, and perfumes.

Erwin captured her lips with his, his thumbs grazing the sides of her abundant breasts. Elena purred, and was breathless when she broke the kiss and said heatedly to Erwin, “Well then, why don’t you and I book a room upstairs and tell each other just what… we’re doing here.”

She moves in to kiss Erwin’s thick neck, her hands gripping his strong shoulders. Erwin raised a thick eyebrow. “Tsk tsk kitten, so impatient.” He gestures at his glass. “What about another drink?” Elena pouted at the blonde man, clearly riled up and disappointed. “Don’t be a tease, Erwin!” Erwin gave the woman a peck on the lips then a light smack to her ass. “You’ve seen nothing yet.”

Elena reluctantly got off his lap and took his glass to refill it at the back of the bar.

“Goddamn. Not even 30 minutes in, and you’ve already got one of the barmaids drooling on your lap. And I thought you’d have more self-restraint than that one.” Nile jabbed a thumb at Mike, who was very clearly enjoying fondling the breast of a blushing blonde girl. The two men could just imagine all the vulgar things the brute must be whispering to the helpless girl. The dark haired man took a drink of his ice cold beer, mumbling, “Thank god we’re not in uniform.”

Erwin laughed clapping his friend at the back. “Hey man, we’re not so bad! At least we actually got our girl’s name,” The blonde grinned cheekily. Nile rolled his eyes to the heavens, already hearing this joke before. “Whatever, Eyebrows. Just you wait till she gets here. You’ll wish you saw her first!”

“Wait.” Erwin takes in the fact that Nile hasn’t been drinking all the hard liquor he usually loved, and is nursing a pretty boring mug of beer and half a cigarette instead. “Have you been waiting for her? Shit Nile, since when were you such a sap!” Nile was about to snap back a retort when his silver eyes looked over Erwin’s shoulder, and his breath hitched.

“One of you boys ordered a whiskey?”

Erwin swiveled back smoothly to finally see his friend’s mystery girl. Only to see a familiar face.

“Marie?”

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

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What if Erwin had an older brother 😳

Presenting Derek Smith! 🖤

You can read about him in my Erwin x Marie fic, The Wingman 💙

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

#erwin smith #erwin smith x marie #erwin smith x reader #erwin x y/n #the wingman #erwin's hot older brother #derek smith #erwin smith x oc #erwin smith x marie x nile dawk #erwin smith x marie dok #erwin smith x marie dawk #traditional art #snk art

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

Text

The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 6: The Scout

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

THE WINGMAN MASTERLIST

A/N: FINALLY! So remember when I said this chapter was only going to be 5k words? WELL BEEYATCH IT’S 6.5K WORDS HAPPY UPDATE, HAVE A NICE DAY. In retrospect, it seems like I can only seem to write when I’m heartbroken and depressed, haha *sweats nervously at my 27 remaining chapters* But hopefully this thick boi of a chapter would be worth the wait! I’m just a little swamped these days, thanks to Ms. Rona’s world tour so updates are pretty sparse. But don’t you worry child, bc I still plan on finishing this baby. Music Inspo: Dream Sweet in Sea Major by Miracle Musical Crime by Private Island Do It All the Time by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME The Boys Are Too Refined by The Hush Sound The Other Lover by Little Dragon

The Wingman Playlist

Chapter 6: The Scout

Krolva District, Wall Rose

Spring, 825

“Mama, why can’t I go to school with Papa and Derek yet?”

Erwin whined in his little voice. His chubby little legs were swinging and bouncing up and against his bum from where he was sprawled out on his mother’s Persian carpet, with his favorite picture book of The Secret Garden opened in front of him—Erwin has always been an avid reader. And he loved The Secret Garden best of all.

Agatha Smith looked up from her paperwork. As Krolva District’s council chairperson, she’s been busy reading through district reports all morning. For the most part, her son has been quietly reading his book like the good boy he is. But Agatha knew her son, and it was only a matter of time before her little genius started asking her the curiosities which—how Erwin would say—‘bugged his mind.’

“Because you’re still little, darling. You’re just three years old!” Agatha smiled brightly at her baby, hoping it would help convince Erwin why he can’t go join his father and brother yet. Although, Agatha tried to ignore the twinge of sadness in her stomach at the thought of her son growing up.

She was perfectly fine with her baby staying home, and keeping her company; safe in her home office for the rest of forever.

Erwin meanwhile, as much as he enjoyed reading and coloring in his mother’s pretty office—with all the big books, the many vases full of flowers, and the ever-present smell of strawberry tea—still wanted to go on the adventures Derek would tell him about whenever his brother comes back home in the afternoon.

School just sounded so fun to Erwin! He wanted to play with kids like him, and read more books!

Erwin puffed up his cheeks, ‘It wasn’t fair. How come Derek gets to go, all because he’s older?’

“But I thought you said I was a big boy already!”

Agatha tried to hide her smile at Erwin’s quick retort. Her son has always been a clever boy.

“Well, you need to get just one more year bigger,” the boy’s mother says, as she held up one finger.

Erwin pouted. His cheeks were starting to grow red; the boy was going to cry.

“ookay, ookay,” Agatha immediately stood to scoop up her son the moment she saw him rubbing at his blue eyes. She repositioned him at her hip, and peeked into the little boy’s clear blue eyes.

Her husband’s eyes.

Tiny drops of tears were already rolling down Erwin’s chubby, red cheeks. Like tiny little diamonds.

Agatha cooed, “I’m sorry you can’t go with Papa and Derek yet, but don’t you like staying with mama at home?” Agatha’s cobalt eyes peeked into Erwin’s. Erwin nodded, still swiping his small fists at his tears.

“How about Mama makes you your favorite strawberry pie, huh? Would that make you feel better?”

Erwin’s teary eyes looked up at his mother, “You’ll make me lots?”

His mother only ever gave him one slice since she’s very particular about making sure her boys are eating healthy.

And anyways, as a working mom, having two sugar-rushed boys isn’t going to help her productivity. Nor does she want them to be spoiled.

It’s a different story for Erwin’s father, though. Jonathan was really a child himself, and saw no problem in giving his sons a few extra slices of pies.

As long as his wife never finds out, of course.

Agatha pauses at the request. Lots of slices meant lots more strawberries to pick. She glanced back at her pile of paperwork, and all the district proposals waiting for her approval to peruse. Agatha knew she simply did not have the extra time to pick strawberries.

“Well, then why don’t you go ask Sibyl to accompany you to pick yourself the juiciest, sweetest strawberries we have, yeah? Don’t you want to pick the best ones, Erwin?”

Erwin immediately perked up, “Yes, please Mama! I want to pick the strawberries!”

And just like, Erwin’s little legs ran him out the room and to his nanny for an hour of chores.

Not only did she calm her son down, that was also one task off her planner. Agatha patted herself. ‘Nice save, Mrs. Smith.’

When Jonathan and Derek arrived home that afternoon, Jonathan immediately sought out his wife, who was at the patio overlooking the garden. She was busy setting up tea and freshly baked pie slices for her two other boys, while a little Erwin was already happily scooping up the last of his strawberry pie.

Jonathan kissed the top of his wife’s sandy blonde head, and patted his younger son’s golden one.

“Someone’s been chowing down!” Jonathan’s laughter seemed to boom to Erwin’s ears. “Wow! Seems like Mama’s been spoiling you today, huh?” Jonathan’s clear blue eyes crinkled tenderly as he watched Erwin drop a big strawberry into his tiny rosebud mouth

“PIES!!!”

Derek immediately ran and seated himself down the moment he saw the treats. He excitedly took a teaspoon, started scooping himself big portions of strawberry pie.

“Hey young man, kiss mama first,” Jonathan chides his eldest. Agatha bends down, and soon enough Derek gives his mother a kiss on the cheek. Though, the kid was didn’t even look away from the treats.

Jonathan was about to say more, but his wife just patted his chest sweetly, and mouthed, ‘it’s fine.’ The parents watched their kids eat, while gently reminding them to slow down and make space for dinner.

In the middle of tea time, with his mouth full of strawberries, Derek exclaims, “You won’t belieeeeve what Papa taught us today, Erwin!”

Erwin looked to his brother in wonder, “Tell me, tell me!” Erwin caught his mother’s disapproving look.

“…please?”

Before Derek could gulped down what he was chewing, Jonathan already cut in. “Aww, don’t tell spoilers, Derek.”

“Spoilers?” two pairs of little clear and cobalt blue eyes looked to their father.

“It means, let your brother find out our lesson himself once he’s your age,” Jonathan says as he gives Derek a little tickle. Derek giggled happily.

“Awwwwww,” Erwin whined, knowing he’d have to wait a while, seeing as Derek was already six.

“But I wanna know, Papa,” he pouted.

“Want to,” Agatha corrected.

“I want to know, Papa.”

“Alright, alright,” Jonathan gave in. He couldn’t really resist his sons. “How about I tell you the Legend of King Arthur and The Excalibur tonight. Does that sound good?”

The boys cheered, already babbling how that was their favorite story, and how excited they were for bedtime. Another tactic Jonathan picked up from his clever wife to get the boys into bed.

“As long as,” Agatha cautioned within the din of giggles, “You smarty-pants go to bed on time.”

Agatha had an eyebrow quirked up, as she turned to give her husband a stern look as well. As if saying, ‘You better make sure, Jonathan.’

All three, effectively charming their mom, were already giving her puppy dog eyes. Jonathan proceeded to solemnly cross his heart, and so did the boys.

For Erwin, his father was not only the smartest person he’s ever met, he was also the most fun. His dad was so fun, that even his stressed out mother would laugh whenever he’s around.

And every night, Jonathan made sure to read to his kids. Animatedly telling them stories of far off lands and great dragons for kings and princes to slay.

Every night, passing on to his sons the yearning to dream beyond. To look beyond. To look around their realities with a curious, ever-critical eye.

And it was something the brothers picked up well, as the two grew up locking themselves in their home library, getting lost in volume after volume. Their fair heads joined together as they poured into a book on the carpeted floor.

Even after what ultimately happened, Derek stayed firm and true; Erwin’s best friend and brother till the very end. The two swore to defend their father’s legacy. Dedicated their hearts to finding out the truth because really,

They were still the little children listening to their father’s stories in wonderment.

~~~

Whispers and shuffling snap Erwin out of his ruminations.

Already at the Corps’ Archives Office with his father’s research journal hidden beneath several notebooks and volumes of military discourse (and perhaps a love letter for a certain bright eyed woman), Erwin hesitated at turning the doorknob.

Was some other cadet using the office today? Erwin was sure he read Derek’s schedule correctly before burning the letter. Then Erwin had his answer;

“Oh Derek, please!”

Considering his brother’s uhh… reputation, it wasn’t difficult to guess what exactly was happening on the other side of that door.

Erwin shook his head, ‘That letter wasn’t kidding. He’s got a girl alright.’

And with a smirk, he then swings open the door—

Adeline Müller jumps off of her lover in a panic. It was clear by the disheveled locks of her platinum blonde hair, as well as her smushed cherry lip gloss that the two have been busy.

“E-Erwin!” she exclaims, trying to smooth down her now-crinkled nurse’s uniform as gracefully as she can despite the situation.

Adeline’s doe-like purple eyes flitted between her lover and his brother’s knowing look.

Erwin smiled courteously at the lady, “Good morning, Nurse Adeline.”

“Hi.” Adeline gulps, as her small hand flies to hide the creeping blush at her neck.

Erwin then looks pointedly at his brother, a smug look on his face.

“Derek.”

Derek puffed out an exasperated breath.

“Brother.” Derek grits out as his eyes turn to slits. “Punctual as always.”

Erwin gestured offhandedly, a picture of nonchalance, “You called for me.” His polite but teasing smile comes back, and turns to Adeline, who has now managed to put her little nurse cap to rights on her head. “I hope my brother’s been a good patient, seeing as you’ve been busy helping him feel better, miss.”

Derek puffs out his chest at that, his Scouting Legion uniform making his already imposing height look even more domineering. He pulls a profusely blushing Adeline to his side, proudly beaming out, and “Oh I’ve been an excellent patient, Erwin. Little Nurse Adeline here has been tending to my Titan bone—“

“Shut up!” came the woman’s cry after giving her lover a good smack to the arm. She tried to look as menacing as she can in the face of all the cajoling, but see…

…she was just too cute, and the fierce eyes just really weren’t working.

Adeline Müller was already a remarkably petite woman. And at that very moment, not only did she feel miniscule, she also wished the ground would swallow her up in embarrassment.

Well, Adeline supposes, at least it was just Erwin. Any other cadet, and news would have reached her father and…

Adeline shivered, ‘Who knows what he would do to her Derek?’ Nonetheless, she knew what Erwin was here for, and she was more than willing to leave.

Derek started chuckling, and leaned down to tenderly kiss the top of her head. Suddenly, all was forgotten, and Adeline was once again gazing dotingly up at her lover. Derek then whispers ‘conspiratorially’ at his brother, “Legion perks.” Then winks at Adeline.

Adeline rolls her big purple eyes, while Erwin just gave a slow, sarcastic nod, his mouth forming an—

‘Ah.’

Before the most infuriating brothers in the Three Walls decided to tease her again, Adeline hastily darts over to Derek to give him a peck, saying that the Head Nurse will be looking for her at the Infirmary soon, which Derek returns with whispering in the poor girl’s ear, before kissing her hand.

Whatever it was, had Adeline blooming red, her eyes growing to saucers. She swats at Derek again, before flying out the door, she pauses;

“Bye, Erwin. And please tell Mike that Mrs. Kissling is onto him and Greta!”

Then the tiny blonde all but runs out the office.

Erwin sighs inwardly, ‘Even the fucking nurses Mike?!’

“Yes, ma’am!” Erwin hollers back. His face turns serious as he faces his brother,

“Müller’s going to castrate you.”

“Hah! I can outrun Corpse Cock on foot, and he still won’t catch me even if the old bastard used 3DMG!”

“She’s engaged. To Alexei Lobov, no less.”

“And? I’m pretty much as good as dead with what I do. What’s some butterball nobleman gonna do to scare me?”

Derek swept back the same golden blonde hair as Erwin’s, while his cobalt blue eyes twinkled.

“Besides, I’m not going to go around fighting Titans to have Corpse Cock and some pig getting in the way of me and my girl,” came Derek’s obnoxious reply with his equally obnoxious grin.

Derek Smith was a man with what their mother calls ‘an award-winning smile.’ This was only accentuated by his Smith-good looks, his ever-present stubble, and perfect teeth.

Erwin snorted sarcastically, “Nice to see the Titans haven’t scared the jackass out of you yet, Derek.”

Although Erwin’s brother can be a smart-mouthed git, hearing his familiar Wall Rose twang alone was enough to bring back the nostalgia of home. Soon enough, both men were shaking their heads and chuckling fondly, knowing full well that no other man within the three walls could understand the other, as much as each other.

And within that familiar bubble of a moment, the Smith brothers finally move to give each other a firm hug.

Derek Smith’s thick eyebrows (it’s genetic, unfortunately) crinkled in concentration, as he was hunched over trying to discern the messy scrawl of his father’s handwriting. Derek rubbed at his stubble, a frown marking his lips, “Sweet Sina Dad, it’s like you don’t want anyone to ever read your work.”

“Speak for yourself,” Erwin retorts, a hand over his jaw, as one hand held Derek’s report up to the light, slowly realizing that the sun wasn’t making his brother’s writing any more legible. “It’s like reading code, Derek. You write your reports to Shadis like this?” Erwin turns to his brother with an incredulous look, lightly chucking the paper atop the mahogany desk.

“Hey, they asked for a researcher, not a clerk,” Derek retorts, throwing a hand up.

It was almost like a ritual for the Smith brothers to pour over the leather journals of Jonathan Smith whenever they have their intelligence meetings. It was a nice way to revisit and review whatever their father theorized in conjunction to what new information they’ve got.

The journals’ old leather smell also reminded them of their father, and that was always a comfort—like an intangible slice of their childhood.

Derek straightens up and breathes out, “Alright, give me that Erwin, I’ll just fucking tell you like the baby you are.” He swipes the report from the desk. “Sheesh, I’m like mom reading you The Secret Garden again,” the older brother mutters.

Erwin made face. “At least I don’t write like a cryptid, asswipe.”

“iM eRwIn AnD I nEeD mY BiG BroThEr tO rEaD tO mE.”

“I’m going to break your face.

“Try.”

“You sure? Because I just might, and we both know mom’s going to take my side.”

The two brothers stared each other down. Seething cobalt blue meeting challenging cool blue ones. It was an undeniable fact—Erwin was their mom’s favorite, her baby.

Derek nodded slowly in understanding; his jaw locked, arms crossed over his chest.

“Okay Erwin, low blow. But I’ll give you that.” Derek, still locking eyes with his brother, started shuffling the papers, and flipping to the page he needs.

Erwin just gave a smug quirk of his eyebrows.

Derek cleared his throat. “Shadis managed to scrounge up enough funding to finance an expedition next month.”

“About time.”

“Tell me about it. It’s not much, but clearly enough for Shadis to make a gamble. It seems like this one’s highly classified– a job for just us Intelligence, because we’ll be attempting to set up base outside the Walls.”

That certainly interested Erwin. It was no secret that Commander Shadis’ lobby for continued (much less increased) funding for the Scouting Legion is an ongoing uphill battle. The House of Lords is simply too uninterested in patronizing a losing war, when there are people without food, homes, and healthcare to prioritize…or so they say.

And so this sudden decision to undertake such an ambitious mission when the Legion can’t even seem to return with less than a fifty-percent mortality rate, and with barely enough funding to boot, would only mean one thing;

“There have been developments to the situation. Shadis is no gambling man, he wouldn’t risk his best and brightest on a whim,” says Erwin, his eyes so wide and so clear, they almost had a sparkle to them.

Derek had a similar expression on his face, but paired with an impish grin. “Exactly. And Ilse Langar and I have been ordered by the horse’s mouth to ‘record any suspected anomalies within titan territory.’ ”

Erwin’s jaw nearly dropped. “You’re looking for something.”

“But we don’t know what that is,” Derek replied.

Erwin, ever the curious one, took a step closer to his brother, almost like a child begging his parents for the surprise. “But you’ve got an idea, don’t you?”

Derek’s cheeky grin flashed back on, “…Maybe.”

Erwin rolled his eyes. He then hastily gestures for his brother to take a seat, as he took one himself, all too eager to hear the conspiracy.

“Beginning of last year, I have a source from the Garrison tell me rumors of dear old Shadis finding a man wandering from outside the Walls,” Derek began. “Apparently, he seemed like he knew nothing of our society. Like he was a foreigner. I reported this to Shadis during a meeting, and guess what? The man was almost uninterested. Far too eager to shrug the rumors off as bullshit. And now a year later, he’s kick starting a highly-sensitive mission to set up research bases outside the Walls?”

Derek leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. “You won’t get any smoke without a fire. These rumors came from somewhere. That possibility alone is worth investigating. And if it were true?” The scout tightened his hold on his arms, his biceps flexing. “It would be an astonishing turn of events.”

Erwin had his hands cupping his jaw. A thumb caressing his chin in deep thought, as his eyebrows furrowed together. His clear blue eyes were bright and sharply focused on a random point in the room, as the many kegs in his mind started turning.

A man wondering from outside the Walls. Clueless of their societal structure.

“You think the commander is hiding something?”

Derek breathed out, releasing his arms. “I think the commander knows something. Shadis’ heart is true; he wouldn’t keep information like this from his officers if it meant serving humanity’s best interests.”

And to that end, Erwin agreed. He would do the same if only to get to the truth. Surely, a man lying to pursue his true intentions is not unheard of. In fact, the Smith brothers are doing just that—committing treason for the purpose of realizing their father’s dream. Almost as if he was reading his brother’s mind, Derek clear his throat and declares, “We’ll know the truth soon enough. I’ll make sure of it. I’m leaving in two weeks, and I’ll be on the lookout for any leads while I’m stationed at base. I’ll rendezvous with you once I’m back.”

At that, Erwin turns to Derek immediately. “How long are you staying there?”

Derek pursed his lips. “Indefinitely.”

A pregnant pause overcame the brothers. Indefinitely, or until the base gets overrun by Titans.

And as if Derek was reading his brother’s mind, he shrugged, “Occupational hazard.”

The younger brother nodded in understanding. Erwin knew. “What am I going to tell mom?”

Erwin did not dare let any emotion pass over his face as he watched his older brother’s shoulders droop just that little bit. While Erwin may be their mother’s favorite, but Derek was the more emotional of the two—much like his father. Derek Smith, brilliant as his mind may be, still operated with his heart in consideration. And choosing to potentially let their mother grieve over a son was a truly heavy burden to bear. More so with the memories of their mother weeping inconsolably for days after she lost the love of her life, playing at the back of his head.

Erwin was probably too young for their mother’s grief to have an impression on him; especially since their mother particularly protected Erwin from ever seeing her in hysterics because of the guilt poor little Erwin was nursing. But Derek? Derek witnessed his mother at the lowest point of her life—sobbing alone in her marriage bed, her dead husband’s coat wrapped around her, her nose buried in their father’s pillow.

And their mother—like Erwin—was not a woman who would easily let herself go to emotions. So seeing her in that state was its own kind of trauma for Derek

Derek stood up, already getting misty eyed at the memories whirring in his head. He starts fussing over organizing and straightening all the books, journals, and papers scattered across the table. “The usual, Erwin. ‘Derek is off at another mission. He’ll visit as soon as he can.’ ” His voice was pert.

“And Adeline?”

Derek stopped. He faced Erwin, his mouth a thin line. His cobalt eyes serious and intense.

“Make sure Adeline gets my Wings.” The Scout’s finger absent-mindedly caressed the proud Wing of Freedom at his chest. “That’s all a man like me can give her.”

Wings are all a man like me can ever give an angel like her, Derek muses in his thoughts.

While Erwin doesn’t completely approve of Derek’s attachment to Adeline, without hesitation, he clamped his brother’s shoulder in a tight grip. As if saying, ‘You have my word, brother.’

Derek breathed out a small sigh of relief, also giving a firm pat at Erwin’s hand on his shoulder. Derek turned back to the books and papers he was aligning and tidying up earlier, telling Erwin about how he probably won’t be around for their father’s death anniversary because of his rigorous training in the upcoming weeks for the mission.

“…Although I’ll make sure to visit mom at Wall Rose before I leave, don’t worry—“

An envelope slips out of one of the journals Derek was straightening. Immediately, Erwin reaches out, almost lunging at Derek, “Don’t touch that–!”

But it was too late.

Derek had already pulled the letter out of reach. Already opened the still unsealed flap, and flicked open what is obviously a love letter. Derek wordlessly held a hand out, effectively keeping Erwin a distance away. Derek’s body was turned away from Erwin, as he read what his little brother wrote:

My Darling Marie,

How do you do it?

I would like to think that I am a strong man. I’m a soldier trained in combat. And Sina knows, I can kick a grown man to his knees. Perhaps even slay a whole Titan.

But you, my lovely, you weaken me so.

You soften my heart so much that, while most men my age dream of glory and fortune, I only dream of a dance with you.

To hold your delicate hand and kiss it, to hold you close to my chest so I could gaze into your eyes; eyes so bright, they put the very stars to shame!

So? How do you do it, sweet Marie?

What power do you wield over me that I can’t—nor want—to shake off?

Forever Yours,

Nile

Erwin watched in horror as his older brother’s face went from curious, to intrigued, to absolutely gleeful.

Slowly and comically, Derek lifted his head to look at is brother; A funny look on his face.

Erwin prayed to the Goddesses he wasn’t blushing.

Oh, but Erwin was blushing.

“Who’s Marie?”

Erwin snatches the letter away, not looking Derek in the eye.

“No one.”

“No one?”

Derek was still grinning cheekily though, as if he just learned a most salacious secret. Erwin sighed. “Nile’s courting her.”

Derek’s not buying it. “Yeah? Then why’s his love letters for her with you?”

“Because.” Erwin snapped, already itching to change the subject. “The bastard promised me Ragako in exchange for wooing her with love letters for him.”

Derek quirked a thick eyebrow, clearly seeing through his younger brother’s bullshit. Sometimes Derek forgets that Erwin was still a young man– still clammy over the thought of falling in love with a woman; over wanting a woman for more than what she can offer with her clothes off.

“No man is going to waste his time writing the kinds of words you wrote for a woman he isn’t interested in.”

Erwin had heard enough. He slips Marie’s letter back into one of his father’s leather-bound journals, and quipped back, “Just like how you entertain that woman’s affections as if you can’t die in the next week? As if she isn’t promised to another man? It’s selfish, Derek.”

And although it was never said, Erwin’s frigidity and the muscle jumping from his tightened jaw told Derek exactly what the younger Smith thought—the whole affair would compromise their goal. Their father’s goal.

Derek must remain focused, or else…

And the very thought of any man, even his own brother, gatekeeping his rarest of earthly joys away, infuriated Derek.

How dare he?

How dare anyone?

Not very many people towered over Erwin Smith, but Derek Smith was one of them. And at that very moment, the Scout is perfectly fine with reminding his foolish brother of the fact.

“I’m not about to deprive myself of love and happiness just because I’m a Scout, Erwin. I’m a man. Not a martyr. That woman? That woman keeps me alive. That woman keeps me fighting. Keeps me sane.”

The two men were like a pair of lions prowling each other.

Derek continued, still seething, “With that woman, I’m just Derek. Not Sergeant Smith, not even Derek Smith. Just Derek. Derek and Adeline.”

Much like a mirror image of his own passion and intensity, Erwin took a stand against the unwavering glint in his older brother’s eye. Erwin has seen that very expression on his own face. An expression which said that absolutely nothing could change his mind.

Still, Erwin gambled.

“What about hurting her? You can’t give this poor woman any assurance nor security, Derek! Or is that an occupational hazard too?”

“That’s life.”

Derek had just swung up on his steed, ready to gallop out of the Training Corps compound, and back to report in Scouting Legion HQ. Meanwhile, Erwin wordlessly pulled and tugged on Derek’s straps to ensure his brother’s saddle was secure.

It was then that Adeline rushed out from the servants’ steps and into the stables to give her lover a jug of water, as well as the bread and cheese she packed. The two men have been holed up in the Archives Office the entire afternoon, as evidenced by the orange streaks of the already setting sun. The trip back wasn’t very long, but it was just Adeline’s nature to ensure that Derek had more than enough food to fuel him along the way. ‘Besides,’ Adeline thinks, ‘A man that large must need as much food as he can.’

Next to Derek’s great steed, Adeline looked terribly miniscule. Like the afternoon winds could blow her away any moment. Still, after accepting her packed knapsack, Derek reached a large hand down to cup his beloved’s cheek, the purple of her eyes especially accentuated by the fading sun.

‘She really is a sight to behold,’ Derek thinks. He was quiet for a moment, just letting his thumb caress her soft cheek. Drinking her all in, memorizing every detail, as if he would never see her beauty again.

“Take care of yourself, mignonette,” Derek says tenderly.

Adeline smiled in amusement. “Says you.” She kisses the inside of Derek’s palm, and beams up at him, “Come back to me, my love.”

Derek winked. “Always.”

Derek straightened up and pulled on his horse’s reins to settle the beast, then looked down to his brother’s still morose face. He motions to the letter hidden in the journals held by Erwin, and says in goodbye,

“Allow yourself to be happy, brother.”

Then off Derek Smith rode. Dust, dirt, and gravel trailing his horse’s hooves.

The Wings of Freedom fluttering proudly against his back.

Erwin and Adeline took a moment to stand by and watch the Scout ride away.

That is, when Adeline’s soft voice broke the silence, “Love doesn’t make him any less of a soldier, Erwin.”

Erwin looked to the small blonde with the delicate curls beside him.

Adeline looked back, purple eyes firm and genuine. “Nor does it make him any less of a son.”

She paused. Doe-like eyes fluttering down for a moment.

“And it’s the same for you.”

It was then that Adeline was struck by how much Erwin resembled her lover. They had the same fire within the depths of their blue eyes. The same brilliant mind beneath their heads of blonde hair. The same imposing build and stature…

The same pride and dignity in their stance.

And yet, the two were so much more different.

Derek was full of tenderness, warmth and joie de vivre, while Erwin… seemed very far away. Like he could never look around him. Just straight ahead. Eyes fixed to the horizon.

But it was that fixation, Adeline knew, which would keep this man alive.

“I’m ending my engagement. I’m choosing your brother, Erwin.” The petite blonde swallowed back a lump in her throat. “No father, nor nobleman can change the course of true love, and—“

Adeline bit her lip. “He’s just so reckless!” she grits out in frustration.

“So please. Convince him to stay, Erwin. Here. With me.” The girl blinked back tears, as she gazed back to the minimizing form of her beloved. “I want to keep him alive. Keep him fighting.”

Keep him alive. Keep him fighting

‘That woman keeps me alive. That woman keeps me fighting.’

It was almost cute to Erwin how the two lovers just repeated each other’s thoughts and words, albeit unknowingly. And so Erwin thought it only fair to repeat to this girl– this woman– who would clearly give up anything for his brother, Derek’s very sentiments.

Erwin reached an arm to wrap around Adeline’s shoulder, and patted her saying, “You’re already keeping him alive and fighting, Adeline”

Eyes still gazing out, the glint of the setting afternoon sun against Derek’s fair head was the last of what Adeline glimpsed of her bold lover.

Business was thriving at the Territory that Friday night. Its usual evening assortment of clientele filling up the place with the stench of booze and cigarettes, with guffaws of laughter. All the more made merry by fiddlers the establishment hired to strike up a jig for the patrons. And so besides the usual hullaballoo of the place, drunk men were also prancing around now.

Marie meanwhile, was left breathless. The barmaid grinned merrily as Nile pulled her back up to his chest from their dip. Nile seemed to have the full intention of monopolizing Marie tonight, seeing as they have been dancing and jigging around the bar’s makeshift dancefloor—a cleared floor space, really—since Marie clocked out for her break. Nile promptly bought her a drink, and asked her (albeit drunkenly, seeing as he wouldn’t be able to do so otherwise) for a dance.

Marie was caught up in a fantasy—one where she was a duchess in a glittering ballroom in Mitras, spinning around in a silk dress in the arms of a prince, dancing like they were made of starlight. Like this dingy little bar in the middle of Wall Maria was holy ground.

Although, Marie would never dare admit just who exactly she envisioned to be her prince. Marie rolled her eyes at the thought, ‘she really should just enjoy the dance, and this funny man tossing her around.’

“I’m afraid my dance card’s full, soldier,” Marie teased flirtatiously. Her cheeks were already glowing red, eyes twinkling in mirth from the exertion.

Nile didn’t dare take his hands off Marie’s waist, and most certainly never let his eyes glance away from the ginger’s lovely visage. He grinned delightfully, and pulled the girl even closer, “That so? I reckon you can still squeeze me in for the last twenty minutes of your break, yeah?”

Nile was absolutely over the moon. When Marie started laughing– a tad bit tipsy herself—Nile didn’t even let her finish replying, he heard the lilt of a new dance starting, and immediately twirled the smiling girl towards him. Marie gave a high girlish squeal, and let the soldier sweep her away.

Perched by the bar, sat a man whose broad shoulders hunched beneath the influence of whiskey in his system. He took a drag of his cigarette, almost grunting out the smoke, as his blue eyes followed his best friend and the barmaid twirling around the dancefloor. Erwin’s thick eyebrows drew together, grimacing, ‘the bastard actually got her to dance.’

It was certainly rare, but tonight, Erwin is apprehensive. The letter seemed to burn a hole right through his jacket pocket, reminding Erwin of his brother’s final words to him.

Allow yourself to be happy, brother.

So Erwin continued to watch. Knowing full well that this newfound interest Marie had on Nile was thanks to his letters.

His words.

Also knowing full well that he could continue to write this lovely, shining girl in proxy for his friend or…

He could stop. He could stop, and perhaps… this lovely, shining girl could…

Allow yourself to be happy, brother.

Nile gave Marie another dramatic dip, one that had the ginger girl giggling. Nile almost looked silly with glee, as he brought the girl up. And in a moment of what must be drunken ecstasy, Nile kissed Marie’s hand.

Erwin threw back what was left of his whiskey at the sight.

‘Fuck it.’

Erwin took one last inhale before putting out his smoke at a nearby ashtray where Marie was already busy wiping down.

Marie felt the blonde man’s presence before she saw him. Could smell the sandalwood before Erwin leaned over into her space. Marie rolled her hazel eyes, although a tiny smile danced around her lips.

Marie refused to look back at this annoying man trying to distract her from work.

“Yeees?”

Erwin playfully presented Marie the letter in between his index and middle fingers, his blue eyes actively looking directly into Marie’s, trying to catch her full attention. Purposefully crowding her, wanting to drown her in all that is him.

“You seemed like you enjoyed your dance.”

Marie finally faced Erwin, a hand moving to rest at her slender waist. She tilted her chin up, trying her best to look as imposing as she can before this tree of man. But not before she registers—definitely not for the first time—just how infuriatingly handsome Erwin Smith is.

“Why? Did you want to join in?”

Marie felt her heart do a little leap and jig at the sight of Erwin’s perfectly cut face falling just that little bit.

Erwin snorted, “With Nile? No thank you, he’s all yours.”

Marie made a show of delicately plucking the letter from between Erwin’s fingertips. She pursed her lips as she read the scrawl at the back of the envelope: For my Marie.

She peeked back up at Erwin. “Hmmm. Seems to me you’re just trying to hide your two left feet.”

“Excuse me?” Erwin cocked an eyebrow, already smiling openly. Marie notes how straight his teeth are.

“I’m an excellent dancer, thank you very much.”

Marie abandons her washcloth, and went up on her tiptoes, getting into Erwin’s face. Something sly and mischievous played around her features.

Erwin could pick up on the alcohol in her breath when she whispered;

“Prove it.”

Glass bottles jingled in their shelves.

The man had brought his large hands down to rest at the liquor shelf behind Marie; effectively caging the girl in his arms.

Marie felt like a rabbit before a wolf. Cornered. Helpless. Frozen.

Felt her heart beating a rapid cadence. Felt her eyes darting between Erwin’s thin, chapped lips, to his hooded blue eyes—darker and deeper beneath the lowlight.

But above all, Marie felt herself wondering if this breathtaking creature would taste like whiskey and cigarettes—like a brooding phantom she could only ever glimpse in dark nights amongst candlelight.

Or perhaps he’d still taste like strawberries? Like sweetness and zest and freedom and hope.

Erwin gently tucked a ginger curl behind Marie’s ear. He caressed her freckled cheek.

Marie was already dizzy from the smell of nicotine off his fingers… or was it something else that was making her dizzy?

Rough pads of fingers pressed against the plumpness of Marie’s lips.

“Then…”

The woman took a deep inhale.

“…Can I have this dance.”

It wasn’t a question. Not when he sounded like that. Like, sin.

In a panic, Marie squeezed her eyes shut; “You’re drunk.”

Erwin blinked. And like a magic spell broken, Erwin releases his hold on the liquor shelf.

Marie’s eyes shot open, as she looked up at a chuckling Erwin. He was already smoothing back the few strands of golden hair that fell onto his eyes.

“I guess I am.”

‘Huh.’ Marie thinks, ‘This odd, odd man. He’s got a knack for immediately switching emotions, alright.’

Erwin must have noticed Marie’s strange look, and jabbed light-heartedly, “You better start working again before Nile notices you ‘aren’t busy’ anymore.”

Nile! Oh god, Marie almost forgot about him! He could’ve seen… whatever that was between her and Erwin.

Marie hastily went back to her washcloth, and started wiping down more glasses. She looked around for any sign of Nile, and found him still drunkenly gloating to Mike about his romp with her.

Although from the looks of it, the man is about a tankard away from completely passing out.

Erwin was already casually lighting another cigarette when,

“Are you a pigeon, Erwin?”

Erwin nearly fucking burned himself from his lighter. He spluttered at the bizarre question.

“Err…no?”

“Then why do you have to keep passing Nile’s letters to me? He’s right there!”

The two looked on to watch Nile finally succumb to sleep. Mike awkwardly patted his already passed-out friend.

Erwin snickered, “I’m afraid that’s why my oaf of a friend calls me his ‘wingman’.”

“Ha!” Marie chuckled out.

Marie read her letter immediately after the last of the bar patrons left—which happened to be Erwin. He insisted on keeping her company to ‘keep the wolves away.’ As if he hadn’t just tried cornering her a half hour ago. It was nice though, the conversation was lovely while she was closing up.

And so, when she lay awake in her bed that night, smiling to herself, fingertips on her lips. She wasn’t thinking of Nile when the words of the letter echoed in her head.

A/N:I know. Derek’s an absolute d r e a m b o a t, and I love him too.

Mignonette,’ from my understanding is “delicate” or “darling” in French. I heard that was Prince William’s pet name for Princess Charlotte, and I thought it was adorable.

On Erwin’s family, a discord friend of mine actually gave me the idea that Erwin possibly got his leadership skills and his you-think-this-is-your-idea-but-it-was-all-part-of-erwin’s-fail-safe-plan charm, from his mother. Besides, who doesn’t love a powerful working mom? And the rest went from there! It also made sense to me that a man as curious and as daring as Erwin’s dad would also be a child at heart.

As usual, any questions and feedback are very much welcome!

I also have an AO3!

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

Text

The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 5: The Territory

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

The Wingman MASTERLIST

A/N: HELLO! YES I STILL PLAN ON FINISHING THIS BABY So much has happened these past 5 months that’s cost me my peace of mind and caused me so much heartbreak (haha i hate boys but what’s new? lol) But hey! At this point, I’m just choosing to see all this as new material to source my inspirations from now on :P This chapter was written while listening to Pretty Please by Dua Lipa, Laisse-moi t'aimer by Laurie Darmon , and There You Are by WHAT THE DUCK. I actually made a playlist for all the songs I use, and ya’ll can find them HERE! I’ve written you lovelies a looong one for the looong wait! (4K words wtf XD) Enjoy!

Chapter 5: The Territory

Dearest Marie,

The moment you walked in the room, all blazing curls and bright hazel eyes, I knew you had me wrapped around your finger. And what is a man to do, when the most gorgeous woman he’s ever laid eyes upon, makes his heart stop the second she blesses him with her tinkling laugh and charming wit?

Truly Marie, you may very well be the death of me. But if that’s what it takes to keep your heart, then what a wonderful death it would be!

And I do swear, by my soldier’s honor, to offer up my heart to you, for you to do with as you wish. Break it or take it, I am at your whim’s mercy. But I do trust that a woman as gentle as she is beautiful, would never deny a dying man’s wish.

Forever Yours,

Nile

The Titan Territory was at the peak of its happy hour. Chock full of drunkards, lechers, soldiers, and the occasional vagabond. Most nights like these, Marie would be at the tips of her toes. Keeping alert, and focused on getting her work done without attracting trouble. She was a woman in a room full of inebriated men, after all. And it wouldn’t be uncommon for a few of these men to get… more handsy than usual. And it certainly isn‘t new to Marie either

But tonight, the barmaid did not seem to mind all the boisterous men nor the stench of ale. In fact, she looked rather flushed and chipper as she placed another mug of ale in front of a bucked-tooth man. She even smiled sarcastically when yet another man old enough to be her father used yet another recycled pick-up line at her. As opposed to straight up telling the old bloke that the age must be getting to him if his eyes couldn’t tell that she was no angel, but a person who definitely knows how to call the MP’s for harassment.

“Who is he?”

Marie paused pouring a mug to glance at Elena, confused by the sudden question. “Huh? Oh, I don‘t know, another dirty old man clearly.”

“Nooo,” Elena looked pointedly at Marie, her ruby red lips plumping into a tight ‘o.’ “Who’s got you daydreaming and out of it like that? I haven’t heard you give some poor drunk a good smack talk all night.” Marie pursed her lips. Elena immediately pointed a long, equally ruby red fingernail at her. “And that! You keep pursing your lips like that!” Elena’s amber eyes widened exaggeratedly. “Who did you kiss?”

Funny you would ask that, Marie thought sardonically. For the hundredth time that night, her mind reels back to the taste of strawberries and cigarettes, and carefree eyes so blue, she could drown in them. All at once, she is once again engulfed by strong, sure arms, and the heady smell of sandalwood.

And the lovely sight of the woman in front of her pressed against the very man she can’t seem to shake off her system.

Then Marie remembers the letter she received just that morning. Nile’s remarkably careful handwriting, and his smitten words resurfaced in her mind’s eye. Despite the cheesy—not to mention incessant—flirting. Marie certainly never thought Nile had such profound emotions for her. She’d be lying if she said that his confession wasn’t affecting her opinion of him.

Marie smiled, conniving. “I have an admirer.”

Elena was extremely intrigued. “Well? Spill! Who is it?”

The ginger girl smirked. “Guess.”

Before Elena could even speak the name, Marie went ahead and sashayed away from the ravenette, a tray of ale on hand. She knew what name Elena would answer. And she’d be right.

But she didn’t want to think about Nile, nor his tall friend’s irresistible dimpled smile.

So the barmaid bent down to serve mugs of ale and beer at a particularly loud table of drunk garrison soldiers—clearly drinking on duty if the presence of their uniforms were anything to go by– when she was startled out of her reverie by the bawdy laughter of drunks and the hard smack of a man’s hand against her rump. “Is this ass on the menu, girly?”

Marie whirled around, flinging an enraged hand to slap against the wretched bastard’s head, when the surly red-faced soldier caught her hands. They were unbelievably small and weak against his bruising grip. Marie gritted her teeth against the man’s sour ale-breath, and her own pounding heart. She could feel the lecherous eyes of the drunk’s buddies, laughing like predators baring their teeth. It was a busy night, and no one would bat an eye at a barmaid getting harassed in a tavern. She felt like a trapped deer, surrounded by lions in their very lair.

The soldier leaned dangerously close, almost like he’s sniffing her fear out. He tutted at Marie’s stricken face. “Tsk. Tsk. Good little girls don‘t hit their betters.”

Marie, very much a woman of spunk and grit, steeled her resolve.

She was going to give this motherfucker a nasty head-butt.

But she was never able to. Many things happened all at once– a sudden, strong force pushed the man back, making him crash against his group’s heavy wooden table.

He stumbled back, shocked and winded. Her harasser’s friends all shot up from their seats at the commotion, barstools clattering to the ground from the sudden movement.

Marie was pulled back into a solid chest, a firm arm anchoring her there; safe.

“The sign was right. This is Titan territory. This place stinks of one.”

The ginger girl strained her neck up to gape at the tall, imposing form of the very man who’s been haunting her thoughts all night. Erwin’s blue eyes barely even acknowledged the woman nestled against his chest. They were solely trained on the bastard coughing on the floor. Marie shivered. Erwin Smith looked cold and wicked.

Like the Devil passing judgement.

The drunk man whipped his head up, a menacing snarl distorting his red face as he clambered up off his ass.

“What was that, boy?”

“Just an observation.” Erwin sounded almost like he couldn’t care less if he was talking to a drunk gang of trained Garrison soldiers. Much less that he just shoved one.

The soldier guffawed. “Ho ho! You got some wit to ‘ya, pretty boy! But didn’t your momma teach you to never mess with a Titan’s territory?!” He moved to reach for a disgusted Marie, when his hand was abruptly grabbed and halted by an unshakeable grip.

Nile Dawk’s face was painted with a scowl. His dark eyes shooting daggers at the drunkard.

“Well she ain’t yours, Sergeant Kemper.”

Kemper spluttered, and tore his hand away. “Did we guess that right, sir?” Nile taunted, his eyes alight with the adrenaline in his system pumping for a fight. His gaze briefly caught Marie’s wide-eyed stare, and winked. Marie’s cheeks went hot.

“And?! I’m a known soldier! What’s a couple of backwater punks gonna do, huh?” Kemper and his friends were just about ready to start a brawl, when Mike stepped in—knuckles cracking, nose sniffing out blood, his massive bulk intimidating. One look at the giant told them that he could sweep them all out, no problem.

Mike just grunted. “A hell of a whole lot, actually.”

Kemper very nearly whimpered like a kicked dog.

“I’m sure Captain Brezenska* wouldn’t like to hear reports of his men gallivanting around with barmaids, while drunk on duty and in uniform, yes?’’ It was Erwin who dealt that final blow. And just like that, the men trudged up and out The Territory, a slew of empty threats trailing in their wake.

Marie sighed. Relieved that what would have been a messy fight, was diffused.

Then Marie broke out of the arm holding her, and turned on Erwin. “Are you out of your mind?! You could’ve caused those men to seriously hurt you! Those are full-fledged soldiers. What if a brawl broke out? We’d all be banned from here!”

Erwin was taken aback. He certainly didn’t expect this response from a girl he just saved.

Nile immediately stepped in, holding his hands up. “Relax, Marie! My wingman here was just making sure those bastards knew not to mess with my girl!” Nile had an arm hooked around Erwin, and was grinning flirtatiously at her when Mike joked lowly.

“You better pee around her then, if you don’t want the wolves scenting your territory!”

Erwin and Nile froze, wide eyes boring into Mike’s careless, smirking, stupid face.

Marie straightened up, like a feline rearing her claws. A single perfect eyebrow arched high on her forehead.

Mike immediately choked on the booming laughter bubbling up in his throat, and stuttered out a cough and an apology– clearly forgetting that he was in the presence of a lady.

Although Nile and Erwin didn’t miss how Marie—this feisty, pretty little thing—singlehandedly brought a man who just threatened a group of drunks with just the sight of him, to a sheepish stutter. Marie decided then to let the comment slide. The man did just drive her harassers away.

Then like a cruel reminder, Elena’s full voice rang out. “Looks like my favorite customer decided to pay a visit!”

As is usually the case where Erwin and Elena are involved, Marie resisted the urge to roll her eyes back into her skull. The voluptuous brunette sashayed over to Erwin, who had one of his cheeky smiles playing around his lips. His dark blue eyes sending a naughty promise.

Mike brotherly clapped Erwin’s back. “Guess that’s my cue too.” He asks Elena, “Is that cutie Charley around? I heard I’m her favorite customer,” Mike smirked. Elena laughed, and pointed to where the tiny blond barmaid Mike was fooling around with last time was. When Mike left, Elena turned to Marie with a knowing look in her eye. “Let Erwin and I leave you two alone,” her red lips purred.

Marie was beginning to loathe that shade of red lipstick.

And was it just Marie, or was her perfume more nauseating than usual?

Nile stepped towards Marie, and nodded at his friend. “Go ahead man, knock yourself out, I got her.”

Erwin chuckled at the heart eyes his poor friend was making at the girl beside him, who was none the wiser.

None the wiser, because Erwin knew that longing look on Marie’s face only meant that her mind was back at that charming apartment of hers too.

His calloused hands around her waist, her moans in his mouth.

Bright hazel eyes met deep blue ones. For a flicker of a moment, neither Marie nor Erwin wanted the other to go.

But just for a flicker.

“We’re not carrying you home again if you get shit-faced, Nile!” Erwin called to his friend, before he left with his hand against Elena’s back.

And like a bad omen, Marie watched Erwin’s broad back go.

“Again?”

Marie turned to Nile, her arms crossed, and one hip jutted out in amusement. She was smiling prettily at the man, whose rugged looks blushed crimson under her bright hazel eyes’ scrutiny. Nile rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, “Smith doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about.” Marie laughed; a carefree, happy sound.

It absolutely captured Nile’s heart.

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow, walking back to the bar to settle more orders. Nile followed her, leaning against the countertop as he watched the pretty barmaid go about her work. “Heck yeah,” Nile flashed her a megawatt smile. “That bastard doesn’t even get back to the barracks until after sunrise whenever he makes a go for one of his chicks.” Marie’s heart sank. “Is he always chasing after girls?” she huffed.

Nile blinked, then looked to where Erwin was. Marie followed his gaze, and found Elena all but giving the handsome blonde a lap dance.

Erwin seemed to be enjoying himself.

Marie’s eyes went to slits again. Nile saw this, and took it as another case of girls being so oddly protective of their girlfriends. The ravenette shook his head, “Erwin is a good man. He’s like a brother to me. He likes to play around sure, but I’ve never met a man with more honor. He’s much too gentlemanly to fuck your friend like a common whore.” Nile chuckled, “And besides, it’s the girls who chase after Erwin…”

Nile trailed off, his lips setting into a line when he saw the warmth that came over the look in Marie’s eyes.

Nile’s long fingers held Marie’s chin and moved her gaze back to him.

“But I’m not here to talk about Erwin.”

Tender hazel eyes became playful.

Meanwhile, Nile’s silver ones crinkled at the edges at the sound of Marie’s sweet voice saying, “What then, Cadet Dawk?” Marie hadn’t realized how close Nile was. And just like the last time she was this close to the man, she could see the thick dark lashes framing the Nile’s light eyes. Except that now Marie saw how those eyes, paired with his high cheekbones, made Nile look like a dark elven sprite come to cause mischief upon mortals.

Marie recalled the letter he sent her, and thought it fitting that this dark sprite would write such enchanting words. She still didn’t know what sorcery came over her that she was half-bewitched by this man’s one letter.

Nile carded his hands through his unruly dark locks, willing his beating heart to calm down. Sweet Sina she’s adorable, he thought.

There was so much Nile wanted to tell Marie. How he woke up every single day looking forward to the next time he’ll see her, thinking of all the little details of himself he wanted to let her know…

As much as he’d like to know all the little details she could ever offer him.

Yet, the poor guy could only splutter out a shaky and ineloquent “I-I… uhh, did you get my letter?”

Marie’s lips quirked up to a girlish giggle. If his letter was anything to go by, Marie knew Nile’s intentions had far more depth than that. Marie grinned while a lingering thought remained in her mind—this is a far cry from the Nile she read in that letter.

Perhaps Nile Dawk is more of a poet than a Romeo, Marie mused.

“I did. And you really are too sweet, Nile. I don‘t know what to say. I didn’t know you felt that way.”

Nile immediately sucked in a breath, gasping out, “Of course I do! I—I couldn’t get my mind off of you. ” He winced. He sounded like an idiot. Like a desperate schoolboy talking to his first crush.

Not at all like the charming and suave man those letters made him out to be. It got Nile thinking that maybe he overestimated Erwin’s way with words a tad bit too much. But instead of making him feel like an absolute fool for it, Marie laughed good naturedly at his response.

“Cat got your tongue?” Marie teased, grinning at his antics. There was something Marie found really quirky about a man being so bold in writing, but so tongue-tied in person.

He’s kinda…cute, Marie realizes.

And like the fates deciding a destiny sealed shut and done, Nile felt his heart give a finalizing beat that this woman would be the woman he’d spend the rest of his days with.

Nile gave a relaxed, even relieved smile, and took Marie’s soft hand.

He brought it to his lips, and kissed the delicate, milky flesh.

Marie bit her lip as her cheeks burned red at the feel of his stubble grazing her hand. Nile’s silver eyes flashed up at her, and grinned boyishly, “I‘m more of a man of action.”

I got her.

The words echoed in Erwin’s head like a threat.

I got her.

The Territory’s lowlighting only accentuated the sharp planes of Erwin’s scowling face. Elena had left to get him his fourth glass of whiskey—on the rocks, just the way he liked it—after the very welcome distraction the minx gave him. If it weren’t for the woman draping herself all over his lap, her luscious dark hair entangled around his fingers, he would’ve probably not have stopped himself from moping longingly—not unlike what he was doing now– at the sight of his best friend making his Marie giggle.

His Marie?

Erwin dragged a hand over his face. His thick eyebrows scrunched together, as he felt a dull throb slowly form in his head. He needed a cigarette.

She isn’t MY Marie, Erwin scolded himself. He took out a joint, lit it up, and held it to his lips like muscle memory. He took in a deep drag, and watched Marie throw back her wild ginger curls in a fit of laughter, her freckled cheeks blooming almost as crimson as her hair. She’s been amusing herself with Nile’s puppy dog flirtation for a good hour now.

“Go ahead man, knock yourself out, I got her,” Nile’s voice intruded his thoughts like a restless conscience.

No, Marie was never his. Erwin narrowed his eyes at the indulgent smile on Marie’s lips, as if she were cooing at his friend like a child, and wondered—

Perhaps Marie did not belong to anyone.

Erwin’s mind reels back to when he and Nile were just writing that first letter he left in Marie’s doorjamb….

It was an ungodly hour to still be awake in the barracks, but Nile took it upon himself to invade Erwin’s bunk with a pen and paper and a candle enough to last an hour. So now Erwin found himself with his copy of the Blue Book* against his thigh, the piece of paper atop it, and Nile practically moaning to him all the sappy little details of his love for a certain freckled ginger in the candlelight.

Mike was in his own bunk above Erwin‘s, pretending to have fallen asleep.

There was no way in hell he was gonna volunteer his ears for Nile’s emotional masturbation.

Erwin groaned, “Nile, do you know how physically painful it is to listen to you right now?”

“Why can’t I just tell her how much I wanna kiss her? How much I wanna give her the moon and the stars? How she’s literally my dream girl and how I swear to Sina, I’m gonna marry her?” Erwin rolled his eyes at that; Nile wants to marry every girl he ‘falls in love’ with.

“…Isn’t that the sort of thing girls want to hear?” Nile was truly perplexed, the poor bastard.

Erwin winced at his friend.

Mike couldn’t help it. “Sure, if she’s a goddamn fifteen year old virgin!” he called down from his bunk.

“Oi! I thought you were asleep!” Nile hissed, prompting Mike to start fake snoring again.

Erwin gave an exhausted sigh. It was late, he wanted to sleep. “Didn’t I tell you? Marie’s a full grown woman. That sort of flattery isn’t going to work on her anymore. She isn’t going to entertain just because you tell her how much you want her, you gotta make her realize how much she wants you.”

Nile looked skeptical. “Alright then, Eyebrows. How would you do it?”

Blue eyes looked into the dancing flame of the candle at his trunk, his pen poised upon the paper.

“I would tell her how I notice all her little details—her curls, her eyes, the way she throws her head back when she laughs—and how they made me feel like a fool the first moment I saw them.” Erwin’s lips quirked up as he continued to look into the flame, “But most of all, I’d talk about her mind, her heart…”

Nile felt his teeth grind, and the muscles in his jaw twitch.

Mike stopped snoring; wide awake now.

They waited. Erwin continued, a glazed look still in his eyes.

“…How a woman like her makes me want to devote my very life to her.”

“Woah, don’t lose your cool, Wingman.”

Mike’s gruff voice pulled Erwin out of his reverie, as his friend joined him where he was leaning against the bar top.

He probably already got bored of his girl, Erwin thought.

Mike was already holding his own glass of bourbon in one hand, cigarette in the other. The larger man nudged the hand holding the joint at Erwin for the lighter. Erwin wordlessly held out the light, and Mike placed the stick against the flame.

It’s always been like this with Mike. The two moved together with a wordless sense of trust and understanding; as seamlessly as a well-oiled machine.

“What happened to ‘Tomcat’?” Erwin chuckled, as he smoked with his friend. Mike just smirked, “Nah, you’re the Wingman now. Derek’s the Tomcat, more like. Müller certainly thinks so. Besides,” his green eyes slid over to Erwin’s hunched over form. “I think you’re losing your mojo.”

Erwin laughed out loud at that, a few curious heads turning to the handsome man throwing his blonde head back. Erwin’s broad shoulders straightened into their usual confident set. “You’re full of absolute bullshit Zacharias, that’s what I think.” He cocked a thick eyebrow at Mike’s scoffing, shaking head, “And it’s Müller’s daughter who thinks that. Müller thinks Derek’s a rodent he has to kill.” Erwin inhales a drag, “And like most pests, he’s a bitch to get rid of.”

Mike just hummed observantly, taking a sip of his bourbon. “Well, can you blame him? Your brother’s fighting for the woman he loves. That’s more than you seem to have the balls for.”

Erwin was silent.

The two men continued to watch their friend try to make Marie take a break, and sit down for a drink with him. She only just deflected him for the fifth time that night.

Mike sighed and placed a firm hand on Erwin’s shoulder. “Look, a bastard like me is in no place to tell you how to love– that just isn’t my thing. And Marie’s a special girl, I can tell.”

Erwin glanced sharply at the taller man.

Mike rolls his eyes, “Don’t worry!” Then hastily adds with clear exasperation, “She ain’t my type! But writing those letters?” Mike motions his head to Nile and Marie across the room.

“It’s going to hurt you, brother.”

Mike started swirling the bourbon in his glass, contemplating. “I understand that you do it out of love for our friend, but this can hurt Nile just as much. You had better pick a side, Smith. This woman, or your friend?” Mike threw back his drink in one swift gulp.

“But either way, it’s going to break your heart.”

Erwin blinked at Mike.

Then he chuckles warmly, a hand flicking away his blonde hair.

He’s always known that Mike was as keen as they come, but…

“Since when were you so wise, Bloodhound?

A/N: AND THIS IS THE PART WHERE I RAMBLE AND DON’T HAVE TO WRITE PROPERLY LMAO

Captain Brezenska - I always had this headcanon that Rico comes from a military family, considering how seriously she takes her job as a Garrison soldier compared to her peers. Not to mention how she seems to have risen through the ranks as Captain despite looking quite young. I imagine, unlike the Survey Corps, you’ll need YEARS of experience to become an Elite Squad captain in the Garrison, since well… a third of the regiment doesn’t die every three months lol. So the Captain Brezenska mentioned here is Rico’s father!

The Blue Book- Another headcanon! The US Army calls their official guide to military training and maneuvers as “The Blue Book.” I think it made sense for the Cadet Corps to make use of a ‘Blue Book’ for its trainees as well.

That’s all for now! I’m working on a shit ton of other projects rn (I’m a commissioning artist hihihuhuhu) Not to mention c o l l e g e (ugh.) So Chapter 6 might take a while huhu.

In the meantime, I would love love love to interact with you lovelies, since I missed ya’ll sooo much! You can go hit me up here anytime! Or even at my ig: @artexmaria where I post a lot of my art, AND where I may or may not post my Derek Smith art if anyone’s wondering about Erwin’s hot old brother *winkwink.* Y’all can also find me on AO3 as RosemaryTumbleweed <3

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

Text

The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 4: The First Letter

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

The Wingman: MASTERLIST

Author’s Note:

Daamn this is a pretty long one! I thought you lovelies deserved a thicc update for all the wait 💙

And because of that, we got more song inspos than usual for this chapter: Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens, Strawberries and Cigarettes by Troye Sivan, and come out and play by Billie Eillish

I also forgot to mention last chapter that I named Marie after my favorite impressionist artist, Piérre Bonnard! You’ll see why 😉

Chapter 4: The First Letter

Erwin was thankful for the cool summer breeze as he made his way into the nearby town’s post office to receive his letters from Derek and his mother. A small smile graced his features when he found the two envelopes greeting him when he opened his letter box. One bearing the Wings of Freedom seal of the Scouting Legion, the other a postage stamp from Wall Rose.

He quickly opened Derek’s letter first, Erwin’s blue eyes skimming over the words written on an official Scouting Legion stationary. Erwin was surprised to read that his brother would be visiting again very soon. Derek was under orders from Commander Shadis to retrieve some files at the Cadet Corps’ Archives Office. But more than that, Derek wanted to meet with him saying, “I met a very pretty girl, and I wanna introduce her to you.”

Which was code for, “The Intelligence Division of the Legion has made some discoveries you’ll want to know. Meet me at my aforementioned destination.” Which in this case, was the Archives Office.

Derek Smith was privy to all sorts of confidential information thanks to his position as Deputy Section Commander at the Scouting Legion’s Intelligence Division. Perhaps Derek sharing sensitive information to his brother could cost him his life, but the brothers— as true sons of Jonathan Smith— were adamant in doing whatever it takes to know the truth of the Walls.

Erwin grimaced.

‘And I’m no stupid little boy anymore,’

Erwin pushes back the dark memories.

Moping wasn’t going to help his father’s legacy.

Ever since the suspicious death of their father, the Smith boys have taken it upon themselves to prove their father’s claims that the history of the Walls is more than meets the eye. Which was why Derek— being the elder brother— decided to join the frontlines of the Scouting Legion in pursuit of this knowledge, while Erwin would climb the ranks of the Military Police and uncover the truth from within. The brothers agreed that they would cover more ground if they split up this way.

And worst comes to worst, their mother would at least still have one son around to take care of her.

Erwin opens his mother’s letter next, the familiar loopy scrawl, and the nostalgic smell of home which oddly seems to stick to all her letters, comforting him.

My Darling Erwin,

I’ve just received the carnations, darling. As always, they are beautiful! Please put in a good word for the florist who arranges these. They have such artistry! I will be potting them after I write this. Maybe I’ll place them at the kitchen windowsill so I’ll be reminded of my brave and handsome sons whenever I wash.

And perhaps my brave and handsome sons would remember to visit their dear old mother? Don’t worry, nothing is wrong. Everything is fine. Mother is quite content here with her tulips and carnations, but I do miss my baby boys.

Please tell your brother to be very careful out there. You too, Erwin. If you will not take care for yourselves, then do it for your father and I. Your father would never forgive me if any harm came upon you boys. And it would break my heart.

Mama loves you very much, and I pray that the Goddesses would protect you both everyday. Come visit me soon, darling. I promise I’ll bake you your favorite strawberry pie! With the extra maple syrup, just the way you like it!

Much love and kisses,

Mama.

Erwin smiled softly. It was always nice to hear from his mother. He was glad he chose a good florist for his mother’s flowers. His mother only deserves the best. And he definitely misses her and her strawberry pie.

‘Derek and I should visit mother again soon. ‘

Erwin was tucking in the two letters into his jacket pocket, when he heard a familiar name.

“You’ve got another big one, Miss Marie!”

Sure enough, Erwin sees Marie Bonnard accept a rather hefty looking box from the mail concierge. She gave a bright smile to the young man behind the desk despite the heavy bulk in her arms. “I got it, Tom, thank you!”

Tom blushed at Marie’s undeniably pretty smile. “A-are you sure? I could—“

Marie gasped at the sensation of two strong arms lifting the box out of her grasp. When she looked up to snap at who dared try to take it away, her hazel eyes widened.

“No worries Tom, I’ll help her bring it home.”

Erwin’s easy smile and smooth voice made carrying the heavy box seem like a piece of cake. ‘Well, considering how big this guy is, it probably was.’ The thought made Marie want to cross her arms and stomp her feet.

Tom looked between her and Erwin. Marie could almost see the gears turning in the young man’s head, and the unspoken ‘Oh’ in his lips. “I see, of course sir.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be ridiculous Erwin, I’m more than capable of carrying it myself.” Marie moves to get the box back, when she notices something.

“Besides,” she begins, as her hazel eyes rove up the unmistakable military uniform Erwin was wearing. They zero in on the crossed sword insignia of the Cadet Corps. “Don’t you have training to go to?”

Erwin’s brilliant blue eyes sparked in amusement. “It’s a Saturday. So no training for today. I got all the time in the world, Marie.” The blonde smirked as he easily pulled the full weight of the box into his arms. “And we both know you’re going to hate lugging this around beneath this heat.”

Marie regarded the man before her. If there was anything she knew about Erwin, it’s that he took what he wanted and there would be no stopping him to it.

And she will hate lugging the box around beneath the harsh sun. Marie harrumphed.

“Fine.”

——————————

The pair walked out of the postal office and into the bright glare of the summer sun in relative silence. The nearby weekend market was having a busy morning, and Marie didn’t miss all the women who have stopped in their errands, pausing their weekend shopping to look up at the vision that is Erwin Smith. They would then notice her by his side, and would either turn away in disappointment or look at her with eyes that wished she’d go away.

Marie rolled her eyes. She’s seen so many girls beam with pride to be seen walking beside Erwin back at the College of Wall Rose. And now, Marie doesn’t understand what was so nice about having complete strangers stare and be hostile towards you for no reason.

Out of curiosity, she peeked up at Erwin’s imposing figure, seeing if any of this attention affected him at all. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t.

Erwin’s handsomely cut profile, with his straight nose, high cheekbones, and perfectly chiseled jaw simply looked ahead, paying no mind to all the longing looks he was receiving.

Of course. He must be so used to all this already.

The summer breeze picked up and slightly ruffled Erwin’s blonde hair, making it glint and gleam against the sun’s brilliance. He looked like a golden hero sculpted by the hand of a god.

It was also then that she caught that familiar whiff of sandalwood and aftershave.

As if sensing her gaze, Erwin’s blue eyes flit at her. A small smirk quirked at his lips. Marie hastily looks to her front. A blush already forming at her cheeks from being caught staring.

“Is the box from your family?”

Marie was just a tad bit miffed that Erwin still hasn’t broken a sweat from carrying such a heavy load.

She shook her head good naturedly, “It came from a very sweet old lady from Wall Rose. She’s been my penpal for a few years now. She likes to send me boxes of treats and goodies when she knows I’ll be away from Wall Rose for the summer.” Marie looks up thoughtfully, ”Well, she does like to say that I’m like the daughter she never had. More so now that her sons are away.” She smiled softly. “So I guess it sorta is from family.”

Erwin smiles back at the wistful look in Marie’s hazel eyes, “She sounds wonderful.”

“How about you? Did you have to clean out your admirers’ dozens of love letters from your letter box?” Marie teased. Erwin raised an eyebrow in mock surprise.

“What admirers?”

Marie lightly swatted at Erwin’s arm. He just laughed saying, “If by admirers you mean my mother and my imbecile brother, then yes.”

Marie glanced at Erwin, “You have a brother?” The blonde nodded, “An older one. He just wrote to me that he’ll be visiting back from the Scouting Legion.”

That made Marie’s eyebrows scrunch together in confusion.

‘Erwin Smith training in the Cadet Corps, now an older brother in the Scouting Legion? The Smiths clearly don’t need to pursue a military career if they don’t want to. So what are they doing playing soldier?’

It was then that Marie noticed that they’ve arrived at the corner of her apartment block. “We’re here.”

——————————

The apartment was small, but homey. Just enough for one person to stay in. Erwin noticed the small personal effects that littered the space, which spoke about the girl living within it. Little things, like the paint brushes submerged in a jar of water, and the rolled up tubes of paint beside it. As well as a magazine featuring a popular musical that was showing in Wall Rose, sitting on the small kitchen table.

But what really stood out about the apartment was the variety of flowers which ornamented the place. Marie noticed Erwin’s blue eyes taking in all the flora, and briefly waved at the flowers, explaining that she liked to dabble in Ikebana.

Marie takes the magazine off the table and gestures for Erwin to place the box on the kitchen table she just cleared. “Would you like some tea?” Came Marie’s distant voice, already busy pouring warm water into two teacups. “Thank you,” Erwin replies politely as he approaches a nearby window across the kitchen table. A small plot of white and pink carnations at the windowsill has caught Erwin’s attention.

Marie turns to Erwin with the two fragrant cups of tea, only to find him admiring the carnations. She places a teacup in front of him at the window ledge. “My mother was a florist before she had me. So I try to read the botany and floristry books she left behind whenever I can.”

Erwin’s blue eyes look to Marie in disbelief. How could she be so nonchalant at downplaying an obvious skill.

“Try? Marie, they’re lovely.”

Marie blushed at the compliment, not quite sure if he was referring to the flowers or… something else.

The pair stood before the window, gazing into the view outside, as they took a sip of their tea. A comfortable silence enveloping them.

Erwin raised an eyebrow the moment he took a taste of the sweet tea. Marie smiled, “ That’s strawberry tea from the same lady who sent me the box. You like it?” Erwin looks back to the carnations at the windowsill. A softness settling over his features. “ My mother would make these for me back home. It’s my favorite.”

He turns to look at Marie only to find that her smile has turned into laughter. Who would have thought Erwin Smith would have a sweet tooth… or be a Momma’s boy.

Erwin’s lips and brows quirked in amusement. “What?”

“Oh nothing, I just didn’t think you’d be such a momma’s boy!”

Erwin rolled his eyes.

“Hey, if it’s any consolation,” Marie begins, her laughter dying down. “It’s my favorite too,” she winks.

That caught Erwin off guard. He hastily took another sip of his strawberry tea to fight down a blush.

Marie grew quiet and thoughtful.

“I’m sure your mother doesn’t like that fact that you’re out here. Especially with your brother serving the Legion.”

Erwin turned somber. “No. She tries to convince us to leave everytime we visit her.” The blonde felt the woman beside him take a breath, readying herself for the one question which burned at the back of her head.

“Then why don’t you? You’re Erwin Smith! You’re more than capable of excelling in whatever field you put your mind to in Wall Sina. You can be whatever you want. You don’t need to risk your life in the military.” Marie reached out a hand to gently caress the embroidered crossed swords on Erwin’s chest. “So what are you doing here?”

Erwin’s face was a picture of calm. For many people, the Military was a great gamble for survival and security. They would be willing to endure the hardships of Cadet Corps training, risking their lives in the process, if it meant daily meals, a place to sleep, and a chance to enter the Inner Walls if they were good enough to qualify for the Military Police.

Erwin understood Marie’s confusion on why he would willingly choose to pursue a military career. But she seems to have forgotten that some men take the hard path for a purpose.

His blue eyes were distant as he placed his teacup down. “Isn’t the simple wish to serve humanity an acceptable enough reason?”

Marie’s hazel eyes were unconvinced, but she gave a small shrug anyways. “I suppose,” she replied as she sipped her tea.

“How about you?”

Oh no.

Erwin’s gaze turned intense, as he asked her the one question she’s been dreading.

“What are you doing working as a barmaid? Why aren’t you off spending your summer looking for a husband like the rest of the girls at Wall Rose?”

Now Marie set her own cup down. Erwin watched in interest as something steeled and solidified in Marie’s hazel eyes.

“Because I don’t need one.”

Marie closed her eyes and sighed, “Besides, I’m nothing like the Wall Rose girls. I always have to work for what I get. And that includes College. I work during the summer and try to earn enough to pay off what my scholarship doesn’t cover.”

She looked Erwin in the eye. “That’is why I’m working as a barmaid.”

Marie was prepared to find pity in Erwin’s eyes. Instead, she found wonder. His lips slightly parted as he tucked a stray strand of ginger hair behind her ear. He moved closer to her and drew in a breath.

“You’re right. You’re nothing like the girls from Wall Rose,” Erwin’s smooth baritone sent shivers down Marie’s spine.

This close, Marie could feel the warmth radiating from Erwin’s body. She could smell the distinct sandalwood and aftershave that made her head go hazy. She could feel herself drowning in Erwin’s blue eyes again.

“You’re bright and brave. Entirely something else,” Erwin breathed, as he looked intently into the ginger girl’s hazel eyes. Trying to understand just what exactly was making him lean into her.

He was so, so close. She could feel herself getting surrounded by him…

By Erwin.

If she could just…

Stand on her tiptoes.

Marie felt her soft plump lips touch Erwin’s thin ones, and was thrilled to find him avidly returning the kiss. His strong hands immediately went to her waist, as he pulled her even closer. Her own slender hands wrapped themselves around Erwin’s thick neck. Her fingers brushing along the bristles of his undercut.

Marie felt heat pool in her belly, as the large man prodded a wet tongue against her lips. With a soft moan, the woman parted her lips without hesitation and found that Erwin Smith tasted like strawberries and cigarettes.

So Erwin Smith smokes.

She reveled in the fact that she’s just found out that the man smokes from kissing him. But then Marie felt Erwin’s calloused hands gently but firmly push her away.

When Marie opened her heavy-lidded eyes, she was met with cool and unfathomable blue eyes. The memory of Erwin pressing Elena up against a wall at the bar came rushing back to her. How he was so clearly delighted from taking her pleasure.

Her hands suddenly felt cold as she quickly stepped back as if she’d been burned. Marie stuttered out an apology, already hating herself for acting like a desperate girl. She’s really done it this time.

She squeezed her eyes shut, and clenched her fists. Panic bubbled up her throat.

What was she thinking? Erwin’s only ever liked brunettes. What makes her think he’ll want her over Elena?

“What? No, Marie it’s not that.” The reply of Erwin’s smooth baritone made Marie realize that she’s said her thoughts out loud. Erwin nudges her chin to look up at him.

When Marie opened her glassy hazel eyes again, as if a switch flipped in Erwin, she saw a rather amused look on his face, a small dimple showing on his cheek. “You see, I wouldn’t be a very good wingman if I start kissing you now.”

Marie blinked. “What?”

Erwin stopped the urge to kiss her adorable freckled face again.

“My best friend wants to court you, Marie.”

“Oh.”

Along with that realization, Marie recognized Erwin’s efforts to try and diffuse the situation. Marie started shaking her head in laughter, the awkwardness and embarrassment of the moment finally melting away.

“And you’re going to help him with that?” Marie raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms as she leant back. Erwin gave her a dimpled, boyish grin. “ Can you blame me? The guy promised me a bottle of Ragako Brandy for it. So you better say yes to him!”

“W o w”

Erwin and Marie laughed together. The morning light that bounced brightly against Marie’s ginger curls made the laughing, freckled girl look absolutely radiant.

‘Sweet Sina, now I really want to kiss her again,’ Erwin thought as he added,

“So get ready to see more of our faces at the Territory.”

Marie mockingly rolled her eyes in response.

“Oh Goddess.”

It was then that Marie decided that she quite liked Erwin like this— carefree and playful.

——————————

When Erwin left her little floral apartment, Marie immediately sat down and wrote a letter to Agatha about the charming young soldier who just helped her carry the box the old lady sent. Marie couldn’t help the way the butterflies in her belly fluttered about at the thought. Nor did she notice it.

Two days later, when Marie stepped out of her apartment to finally send her reply to Agatha, she was surprised to find a small white envelope fluttering down from her door jamb.

She picked it up and found her name written on it with an elegant flourish. She excitedly opened the envelope in curiosity and read the elegantly written letter.

Marie smiled.

A/N: Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

*winkwink* to those who have figured *it* out by now hihihi

I’ll see you lovelies again soon, and as always, stay safe, healthy, AND WASH YOUR HANDS!

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

Text

The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 3: The Library

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

The Wingman: MASTERLIST

Summary: Before Erwin Smith and Nile Dawk became respected commanders of the Scouting Legion and the Military Police, they were good friends during their cadet days at the 92nd Cadet Corps. They, along with Mike Zacharias, were young, full of vigor, on the rise to greatness, and had a taste for women and booze.

And they all planned to join the coveted ranks of the Military Police.

But when Nile asked Erwin to write his love letters for a woman named Marie, Erwin starts thinking that maybe even a man like him could dream of falling in love.

Nile once scoffed at Erwin at how he could trade Marie for a life of Titans and death. And this is why.

A/N: I wrote this while listening to Tout ou rien by Marie-Flore! You can go ahead and search for its English translation you guys, it’s such a lovely song!

Chapter 3: The Library

Marie couldn’t breathe.

She couldn’t understand how her heart was both thundering and constricting in her chest as she walked away from the dark haired man.

It wasn’t that Marie wanted to be harsh, but she simply wasn’t in the right disposition to be dealing with unwanted flirtations right now.

Not when all she could think about was what in the world would Erwin Smith of all people, be doing in a bar she happened to be working at?!’

She hasn’t seen those blue eyes for the better part of three years, and honestly, Marie has managed to forget about them. Those blue eyes once haunted her as a freshman, while in the middle of burning the midnight oil.

The embodiment of everything she didn’t have, perhaps couldn’t have, but wanted.

And now seeing them again. And here of all places! It had Marie reeling for the back of the bar.

She needed to compose herself.

The cool water Marie drank was a welcome and soothing sensation. She took a moment to calm down, and reassured herself that this was just a one time thing. Erwin Smith, for all his misperceived squareness, has always enjoyed the company of women. The man was probably just bar hopping and ultimately found what he’s been looking for— Elena.

After tonight, he’d be gone to look for other bars, to look for other girls. Perhaps even go back to Wall Rose where he belongs. And Erwin would forget he ever saw her waiting around some dingy, low-lit bar in Wall Maria.

Marie sighed.

But the fact remains that disappointment twinged at her heart. Once again berating herself for being so easily swept away, Marie tightens her apron and to get back to work. Ignoring the way those deep blue eyes suddenly transported Marie back to an old campus library at the College of Wall Rose.

-Three Years Ago, College of Wall Rose Library-

Marie had just started her first week of Advanced Philosophy and she knew that the class wouldn’t be easy, despite her having qualified for it. So now here she was, scouring the shelves for a few old textbooks which she thought might help her weather through.

If there was anything she loved most about her new college, it certainly was it’s rich library, with it’s vast collection of tomes, as well as it’s soothing old book smell.

“Professor Holmes’ class?”

Marie jumped at the sudden interruption of a deep baritone amidst the quiet. She looked up to find the most mesmerizing blue eyes she’s ever seen, staring down at her.

Almost… assessing her.

Erwin Smith gestures at the handful of books she had stacked up in her arms. “I noticed you’re trying to read up on Grecian Philosophy.”

Marie blushed when she realized that she must have been staring at the man for far too long.

“O-oh, yeah!” Marie gave a small laugh to shake off the nerves. “I wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t be left behind despite being technically ‘qualified’ for the class.” Erwin gave an amused smile when Marie put up two quirky little air quotes.

“So it’s true.” Erwin says, tilting his head, the light glinting against his deep blue eyes. “You are one smart cookie.”

Erwin was half expecting the usual flustered response once a girl realizes that he’s taken interest in her. But something in Marie’s hazel eyes sparked.

“I’m one exceptionally smart cookie, so watch out, sir.”

Erwin raised a thick eyebrow, his handsomely chiseled face breaking into an impressed smile. This girl’s certainly got his interest piqued now.

“I have no doubt about that, miss…?”

Now it was Marie’s turn to raise a sculpted eyebrow at him, shifting the weight of her books to rest on one hip. Posture held high, she held a slender hand out.

“Marie. Marie Bonnard.”

The blond man took her hand in his large calloused one, noting how soft it felt in his firm grip. Marie felt her cheeks bloom hotly at the contact.

“Erwin. Erwin Smith.”

Oh but Marie knew exactly who he was. There wasn’t a single girl on campus who didn’t know who Erwin Smith was— highly intelligent, easily commanded respect, and devilishly handsome. And as much as Marie hated to be another one of the many girls who fawned over this magnetic force of a man, she had to admit that even she is having trouble resisting his charms.

“Nice to meet you, Erwin.” Marie wanted to kick herself with how utterly soft that sounded.

Erwin smirked, “Likewise, Marie.”

Their hands lingered in each other’s hold for far longer than they should have.

“Where are my manners, let me get those for you.” Erwin’s smooth baritone breaks the spell and easily moves to get the heavy books off of Marie’s arms, when suddenly Marie gets a whiff of Erwin’s scent.

Sandalwood, aftershave and…

Erwin.

It nearly made her head spin. If it weren’t for the man motioning to a thick volume three shelves above her head, the poor girl probably would have been in a daze already.

“You won’t need these. Holmes likes to use a single resource for his lectures. Makes things easier for us and for him.”

Erwin turned to deposit the hefty books down a book bin for re-shelving. When he faced back to the ginger girl, Erwin was treated to the adorable sight of Marie up on her tiptoes, trying to reach the thick volume he just pointed at earlier.

He pursed his lips at the way her lithe body stretched and displayed her curves.

Marie heard a deep chuckle before a large hand reached from behind her to grab the book. She swiveled around, her red curls swaying along with her movement, and was met by the hulking form of Erwin Smith— so much nearer now— bent over her.

Deep blue eyes boring into her.

Drowning her.

Marie was once again engulfed by the scent of Sandalwood, aftershave and…

“Erwin!”

The pair looked to the voice, and found a woman with a distinctly annoyed look in her eyes. Well, the look was mostly directed at Marie, who was still pressed up against a shelf beneath Erwin’s large body.

“Let’s go, Babe!”

Her outburst was followed by a few distinct shushes which just agitated her more.

The woman was a bombshell. With luscious dark hair, and an even more luscious body. Marie recognized her as one of the sorority girls her dorm mate hung out with.

Erwin straightens up, and turns to the dark haired woman, and gracefully holds a finger to his lips. The action let Marie appreciate a fine view of his chiseled jawline.

The woman just pouted.

Erwin faces back to Marie, his handsome face returning to it’s usual polite smile. All the intensity in his blue eyes from moments ago have melted away.

“Well that’s my cue. Here.”

Their hands brush once more as Erwin hands Marie the book he held. Marie glanced down at the book.

“Thank you, Erwin.”

Erwin decides right then that he quite liked hearing his name on her lips.

“I’ll see you in class, Marie.”

And Marie watches him walk away.

——————————

Marie knew she should walk away.

But she was frozen.

She had managed to keep her composure as she actively avoided Erwin and Nile’s table, with the former’s calculating gaze and the latter’s lingering glances.

She threw herself so much into the night’s work, that she didn’t realize that the men had left. Marie never saw where they went off to, but she now certainly knew where Erwin would be staying for the night.

Marie was fixing up for the night when she found Erwin Smith pressing a very wanton Elena up against a wall.

Erwin’s large bulk had every intention of smothering the petite woman, as he languidly pushed his narrow hips against hers. One large hand had a firm grip on her ass, the other in the disheveled mess of her midnight hair. Elena was helpless as the blonde man’s lips throughly ravished her ruby red ones.

Marie gasped at the sight, dropping her dishrag.

Elena lightly pushed at Erwin’s chest when she realized they had company. The pair looks at her, still frozen on the spot.

Erwin’s pupils were blown wide in lust, but his gaze was cool and unforthcoming.

“Marie,” Elena purred breathlessly, delighted at the shocked look on the ginger’s face. She sensually trailed her hands up Erwin’s muscular arms, until they rested upon the thick column of his neck. “Please book a room for Mr. Smith and I upstairs.”

Marie swallowed a lump she didn’t know formed in her throat.

“I’ll log it down.”

Marie finally turned to walk away. Her heart pounding in her chest.

Angry. That’s what this feeling was.

She furiously swiped away a stray tear, reminding herself.

Erwin always loved brunettes.

Author’s Note:

Thank you so much for reading! All your feedback is very much appreciated, and honestly motivates me to write more for y’all! Chapter 4 is already halfway done so hopefully the next chapter won’t be such a long wait!

And yeah, I did used to have a Professor with the last name Holmes before, but he taught us Research! He was hot tbh asdfghjsk

As always, please do stay safe and healthy and WASH YOUR HANDS!

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wall-maria-fritz · 3 years

Text

The Wingman (Erwin Smith x Marie)

Chapter 2: The Deal

Reposting this because I am officially overhauling my @levi-lives blog, in lieu of this one because SOMEONE Tumblr won't let my posts show up from there anymore! grrrr.

@levi-lives blog is still up tho, if you would like still see my original posts

The Wingman: MASTERLIST

And they all planned to join the coveted ranks of the Military Police.

But when Nile asked Erwin to write his love letters for a woman named Marie, Erwin starts thinking that maybe even a man like him could dream of falling in love.

Nile once scoffed at Erwin at how he could trade Marie for a life of Titans and death. And this is why.

A/N: I’ve decided to add in the songs I’ve written to to each chapter! I hope it’ll help you lovelies enjoy The Wingman more 💙For this chapter, it’s Trostpflaster by Die Lieferanten

Chapter 2: The Deal

“Marie?” Nile was absolutely right, Erwin thought. She is gorgeous. Perhaps even more so now that she’s lost some of the remaining baby fat she had back when she first walked into Erwin’s senior Philosophy class. He’s never seen a woman walk so regally without even trying. Her fiery ginger curls bounced with every step, and her bright hazel eyes held so much pride in them. If Erwin were to be completely honest, he would’ve been a little intimidated if it wasn’t for the cute freckles she had sprinkled all over her rosy cheeks. He soon found out that she was in fact, a freshman and was taking Philosophy on an advanced level. And that certainly made the man raise a thick eyebrow.

Back at his time at The College of Wall Rose, the two never really interacted much outside of the occasional bumps in the classroom. They ran amongst very different circles of friends, and Marie was relatively quiet and liked to keep to herself.

But nonetheless, Erwin definitely noticed her.

Though, that was three years ago. Erwin doubted Marie would still remember him now.

“Erwin?”

Or maybe she would, Erwin smirks.

Marie’s hazel eyes were bewildered. She was like a deer caught in the headlights. Suddenly, she was back at Wall Rose. Everything around her was new and foreign. Everyone around her in silk and top hats. And the handsome prodigy that is Erwin Smith, catching her curious eyes.

Nile looked between his friend and the pretty girl who’s name he now knew.

“You two know each other?”

Marie’s hazel eyes flash to the man who just spoke.

“You again?!”

Nile immediately flashed her his megawatt smile. “Hey, Marie.”

The ginger girl just exasperatedly placed a hand to her temple.

“Just. Who ordered the whiskey?”

Erwin lazily raised a large hand, his deep baritone answering, “I did.”

Marie gracefully set down his glass of whiskey, placing a slender hand to her small waist. “Anything else?”

“Yeah.” Nile responds, “How did you and Eyebrows here know each other?” Marie looked visibly amused at the nickname, her hazel eyes shifting over to Erwin. “Eyebrows, huh? That’s a good one!” Marie laughed gleefully, her silky voice making both men stop for a moment to gaze at the seemingly flawless way she threw her head back. And if Erwin and Nile didn’t know any better, they would’ve looked slack jawed and stupid at the sight. One thing was for sure, this one of a kind girl certainly did not belong in a bar.

But the moment was gone almost as fast as it came.

Marie looked to Nile to answer his question. “Eyebrows and I were Philosophy classmates at the College of Wall Rose.”

Nile snapped his head to Erwin. “College of Wall Rose? I knew you were some fancy shmancy college kid but the College of Wall Rose?”

Erwin just quietly drank from the glass of whiskey Marie just brought him.

“He never told you? He was class valedictorian!” Something about the way Marie said that so proudly made Erwin want to grin. Instead he just smirks behind his glass, as Nile wryly answered, “I’m not surprised, he’s always been such a nerd.” At that, Erwin chuckles, “Well that was three years ago.” His handsome face turned to Marie. “ You’re probably already graduating this year, so what’s a college girl like you doing in a place like this?”

Marie’s face fell. And Erwin immediately wanted to kick himself for asking such a stupid (shocking, I know) question. The ginger’s previously cheery disposition suddenly changed to a guarded one, as she took the tray she’s placed on the table, into her hands.

“I could ask you the same. What’s a former Alphaman of Delta Chi doing in some dingy bar in the middle of Wall Maria?” Marie’s striking hazel eyes flashed at Erwin’s clear blue ones.

“Bloody hell Erwin, you were in a frat?!”

Both Erwin and Marie ignored Nile’s shock, as the barmaid continued. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but there aren’t very many sorority girls to mess around with over here.”

“Marie, I didn’t mean to—“

“Marie! What are you doing taking my table!”

Marie watched as Elena came sauntering over, clearly having applied some extra rouge and lipstick. She gave Marie a dirty look as she draped herself over Erwin’s lap.

The barmaid couldn’t understand why, but she felt her chest constrict in disappointment.

But how could she forget?

Marie thinks, remembering exactly what he was ever since she knew of him as a newcomer in Wall Rose— a charmer, a playboy. Trouble. She locked eyes with Erwin.

“Of course. What was I thinking?”

She looked to Elena when the brunette asked her to repeat what she said. Marie shook her head, “Sorry, Elena. I didn’t know. I just saw the order at the board and thought I’d bring it to them faster. They’re all yours tho!” The woman turned to walk away, head held high, fiery curls bouncing in each step.

“Wait, Marie!”

A hand held her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. She turned back, expecting to find Erwin.

But no. It’s just the dark haired drunk who wouldn’t stop asking to buy her a drink or at least give him her name. He certainly gave her his and if she remembers correctly, Marie thinks it was Nile.

“Listen. Marie, I don’t care what you’re doing here, but it’s a nice warm evening out. Let me—“

The ginger placed a finger to his lips to shush him. This close to him, Marie noticed that Nile, with his messy dark hair, 5 o’clock shadow, and the thick eyelashes framing sincere silver eyes, did have a rugged charm to them. But they were nowhere near as handsome as Erwin Smith’s fine golden hair, intelligent blue eyes and sharp jawline.

Marie frowned when she realized just where her train of thought went.

“Nile right? I’m very flattered. Truly. But as you can see,” she gestures around her, as Nile instead lets his heavy-lidded silver eyes rove down the sight of her. Marie let her ginger hair fall freely, framing her face with bouncy waves of curls. Her tall and willowy figure was hidden behind a typical barmaid’s attire of a peasant dress and an apron. And yet somehow, Nile thinks, she still looks gorgeous.

“...I’m very busy and I don’t really have time to go out.” Marie narrowed her eyes when she noticed the man openly checking her out. “So if you aren’t ordering anything else from me, I’ll go ahead.” At that, Marie swiftly turned on her heel and walked away, leaving a very disheartened Nile behind.

—————

“Let it go, Nile. College of Wall Rose?” Mike whistled, “ It sounds like she’s way too out of your league anyways.” Mike then grunts as his large fingers struggled to clean off the gunked up oil from the tiny nooks and crannies of his 3DMG’s gear shift.

It was yet another sweltering hot April afternoon, and the three cadets were tasked to do gear maintenance by Commander Müller. He thought that his top three cadets in the running for the first ranks of the Top Ten could do themselves some good by practicing their hand at gear management.

Just kidding! Müller was just being an old fucker, and thought that it would be fun to watch Derek Smith’s brother bust his ass over a job he isn’t even supposed to do.

“But I had her right there! She was laughing, and talking to us…” Nile briefly blew on the metal grips of his gears to polish it.

“If only Commander Genius here didn’t drive her away!” Nile huffed at Erwin.

But Mike nudged him as the man grins, “Aw cheer up, Scruffy! Forget about her. By the end of the summer, once we graduate and enter the Military Police, you can go have your pick of any well landed, well educated broad in Wall Sina…”

The hulking man’s eyes glinted mischievously.

“While Erwin and I will fuck the rest!”

Mike’s deep, booming laughter was cut off when the inner mechanisms of his gear conked out in disrepair. The little bolts and screws shooting out and onto the grass.

“By the fucking Walls!”

“Give me that,” Erwin sighs, having just finished fixing his own gear. He was always better at piecing together gear and machinery anyways.

“But Mike’s right, You really shouldn’t mess around with a girl like Marie.” Says the blonde man, as he made quick work with puzzling together the gears, springs and screws of Mike’s trigger mechanism.

“Says the guy who just fucked some barmaid brainless last night.” Nile scoffs bitterly. Erwin looks up from his work, handing the fixed gear to Mike. Using the back of his hand, swiped away a few strands of loose golden hair that’s fallen onto his eyes. “My point is, Marie isn’t your run of the mill kind of girl. She’s as stubborn and as prideful as they come. And she’s brighter than she lets on.” Erwin stops and grins.

“And yeah, I did fuck that barmaid brainless. Didn’t make her my bloody wife.”

Nile rolls his eyes as his two large friends chuckled together. It really was always gonna be sex and booze with these two.

“Well unlike you two dickheads, I don’t just let my dick lead me to the next pussy I sniff around. I actually wanna have something with her!” Nile says indignantly as he snaps back the protective casing of his gear.

Erwin wipes the motor oil off his hands. Carefully watching Nile, he ponders over what the ravenette just admitted.

“We know. But you aren’t gonna woo Marie with just a free drink out. Don’t waste your time, your style isn’t going to work on her. She never mentioned this, but that Philosophy class I met her at? That was a senior’s level Philosophy class and she was just a freshman.”

More than a third of the population very well couldn’t afford a College education. Some people stopped their schooling after secondary school if they were lucky. Most only finish primary school, long enough to at least be literate and be able to practice simple mathematics.

Only a few upper middle class families from Wall Rose—like Erwin’s— as well as the exorbitantly rich of Wall Sina can pay to send their kids to College. But even still, very few of these kids have enough class credits to qualify for advanced classes.

Nile’s eyes widened in amazement. “Goddamn.”

Erwin looked at his friend pointedly. “Yeah.”

Erwin and Mike heave their boxes of gears up to stash them back at the storage compartments of the gear shed. Nile did the same, handing his box to Mike, who was the tallest, to stash his gear in at a top shelf.

“Then what in Sina’s name is a girl like her doing in a bar like that?!”

Nile looked to Erwin, who just answered smugly.

“My question exactly.”

Nile shook his head and reached into his jacket pocket for a cigarette. He offers a stick each to his two friends, which they accept with grunted thanks.

“But that only makes me want her more. Shit, she’s perfect.”

Mike blew out a puff. “He hasn’t been listening.”

Erwin takes a smooth drag of his cigarette, making eye contact with Mike. “For all you know, that girl’s probably promised to some merchant in Wall Rose.” It certainly wasn’t uncommon for most of his female classmates to have already been betrothed to some minor lord, if not already married.

But Erwin knew that obviously isn’t the case with Marie. He knew that if Marie was betrothed, she wouldn’t be caught dead working as a barmaid of all things.

And by the way Nile’s eyebrows drew together, he didn’t think so either.

Nile looks over to Mike expectantly, “Well Bloodhound, how’d she smell to you?”

As much as Erwin and Nile would like to keep saying that Mike’s uncanny ability to ‘sniff people out’ disgusts them, it has proven to be accurate time and time again.

The Bloodhound smirks, “Single. I don’t smell a man on her.” The nose knows.

Nile gave a small pump of his fist. “Nice! Just what I wanted to hear!” Nile turns to Erwin, “Sorry Eyebrows, but this guy isn’t giving up that easily. If she’s a woman of eloquence and wit then I’ll get her with eloquence and wit! And you, Erwin my brother, will help me out!”

Erwin rolled his eyes and drawled. “Yes because you lack said eloquence and wit.” Nile shrugged, “Hey, we can’t all be blonde haired, blue eyed golden boys from Wall Rose. Besides, I know you’ve been itching for some good Ragako Brandy.”

Nile raised a brow cockily, “Give me until the end of the summer. If she’s in my arms by the time we graduate, then I’m going to hand you one whole bottle of Ragako Brandy!”

“In exchange for?”

“Be my wingman. Help me write letters for her.”

Mike nearly spluttered. “Fuck, you’re really gonna court this chick?”

Erwin shook his head, knowing that once Nile put his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. It was one of the reasons why they were such good friends actually. Looking at Nile, Erwin knew the man was sincere in his intentions. Perhaps for once, Erwin was relieved that his friend was such an old school hopeless romantic. Sure, Nile could be a flirt, but he was a loyal and honest man. And clearly the poor guy was smitten, and truly did want to court Marie.

And anyways, Erwin thinks, he trusts that Marie is smart enough to decide on what’s best for her.

Erwin stepped on the burnt up stump of his cigarette. “I don’t know Nile, I’m a pretty good wingman. And Ragako isn’t cheap.”

Nile grinned, finishing his own stick. “And neither is Marie.”

Author’s Note:A lot of how I portrayed Marie here, even how the boys met her, was based on @drinkyourfuckingmilk ‘s lovely portrayal of Marie at her tumblr blog! (Go check it out if you’re unfamiliar with her comics huhuhu please I have her Marie stuff saved on my phone for whenever I feel like turning my heart to mush) But don’t you worry, this Marie’s got a few more surprises up her sleeve, just you wait!

But a few things from this fic will be pulled from my own life. It’s like they say, write what you know! Say for example, Delta Chi isn’t a real frat (or at least, I don’t this so???) but it WAS the name of my the debate club I was a part of back when I was in high school!

And remember, WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

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