Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The whole existence of Erwin was based on a misconception. Everyone thought he was an alpha. But he was far from it.

He never bothered to change it. He let people draw their own conclusions instead of correcting them.

He was never asked about his second gender. His physique and natural dominance was enough to answer that.

In some rare cases, where he had been questioned, he always managed to get his way without revealing who he truly was.

Having Hange only helped him further. Her expertise with medicines made his heats easier to bear and supress if needed.

Yes, they knew about him. Their keen eyes and observation had reached the correct conclusion in their first month under his command.

He had only smiled and acknowledged them when they spoke about their findings.

If he was being honest, he wasn't actively concealing the truth. He just never spoke about it out loud.

He didn't want the shadow of old prejudices fall over his skills and ability to lead. So, he never bothered.

In a few years, he would get his long desired position and everything was going smoothly for him.

Until it wasn't.

He was attending the annual military gala when the first of many not so fine moments started occuring.

His second gender was again the hot topic of discussion among the various high ranking millitary personnel. Especially among the military police officers.

They always had doubts about him because he never did anything an alpha generally does. His clean military record of over a record only fuelled this every year with new vengeance.

Some of them were his batchmates. They speculated the most about what he truly was because he never challenged a superior officer, never lost his mind over petty arguments, never did anything stupid they generally tend to do proudly.

Recounting old incidents and various challenges they had to overcome, discesting them, they tried to find any instances where he was weak or not so alpha like.

But alas, they were fishing for truth in a time where he hadn't presented yet.

He was already a veteran according to survey corps standard when he had his first heat.

If he was being honest, he was pretty surprised, even the doctor who diagnosed him was shocked. They thought he would be upset and tried to comfort him with rehearsed speeches about how a person's worth wasn't measured by their second gender and blah blah. He only half listened because he already knew of this.

He was actually relieved that he wasn't an alpha.

Alphas tend to lose their minds in arrogance and his biggest asset was his brain.

So, he was rather happy about it when he first presented.

He never regretted about not being an alpha. But today he was, forced to listen their ridiculous theories.

The discussions only grew louder around him as the night grew darker as if he wasn't present there, hiding his annoyance behind polite smiles.

He would have left hours ago if he didn't need the approval of the higher up for the next expedition.

Expensive liquors were the only mercies he found in such occasions.

Thanking the heaven for this little respite, he took a sip and sighed.

He wasn't paying attention when the question was asked, halting all the discussions.

"So tell us Smith, what's it like to be an omega?"

It was David. A newly appointed captain of the MPs, still green around the edges, smilling arroganly at him, for daring to insult him in a room full of important people.

But it was hardly an insult.

He returned the smile and when he answered, his voice rang in the surprised silence.

"Better than being an alpha."

Chapter Text

David's smug question hung heavy in the air, shattering the fragile facade of the gala. Erwin met his gaze, a calm settling over his features. "Omega, Captain David," he replied, his voice unwavering. "are far more suited to leadership than some alphas I know."

A ripple of surprise ran through the room. Even Hange, usually buzzing with chaotic energy, watched with curious anticipation. Erwin, however, kept his focus on David, the challenge lingering in his eyes. The young captain, flustered, stammered back an apology, the conversation dissolving into awkward murmurs.

Seeking solace, Erwin excused himself, the weight of his declaration clinging to him. He navigated through the bustling crowd, drawn towards the less crowded balcony. As he stepped outside, the cool night air washed over him, carrying the faint scent of blooming lilies.

And then he saw him, leaning against the railing, silhouetted against the city lights. Mike Zacharias, his ever-present anchor, his oldest confidante. A silent understanding passed between them, as it always did. Mike shifted, offering a knowing smile.

"Quite the statement you made back there, Commander," Mike said, his voice as steady as the stars above.

Erwin let out a sigh, exhaustion settling in his bones. "I was tired of the whispers, Mike. Tired of them assuming they know me."

Mike walked closer, his gaze warm and unwavering. "They don't know you like I do," he said, placing a hand on Erwin's shoulder. "They don't know the boy who dreamt of exploring beyond the Walls, the strategist who mapped routes before learning to walk."

Erwin chuckled, a genuine sound that rarely escaped him. "And the omega who challenged every expectation."

"The omega who deserved so much better," Mike countered, his voice laced with concern.

Silence fell between them, comfortable and familiar. Their bond, forged in the fires of countless battles, transcended titles and labels. They had seen each other at their weakest moments, had celebrated their victories together, and mourned their losses in shared silence.

"Remember that time in Trost?" Mike asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"When you saved my behind from that Titan, despite me being the damn commander?" Erwin retorted, a smile tugging at his lips.

They reminisced about their early days in the Survey Corps, about the camaraderie and fear that had bound them together. They spoke of fallen comrades, their voices hushed with respect. And they spoke of their dreams, the shared desire to see the world beyond the Walls, a goal that fueled their every action.

As the night deepened, they found themselves leaning against the railing, their shoulders touching. There were no declarations of love, no grand gestures. Their bond was built on silent understanding, on shared burdens and unwavering support. In Mike's gaze, Erwin saw not just admiration for a leader, but acceptance and affection for the man beneath the title.

"Ready to head back in, Commander?" Mike asked, his voice gentle.

Erwin nodded, a renewed sense of purpose settling within him. The whispers and speculations didn't matter anymore. He had Mike, his anchor, his confidante, the one who saw him not as an omega or an alpha, but as Erwin Smith, the man who dared to dream beyond the Walls.

And together, they would face whatever tomorrow brought, side by side, as they always had. Their journey was far from over, but with Mike by his side, Erwin knew he could face any challenge, conquer any Titan, and perhaps, even change the world. As they walked back into the gala, arm brushing against arm, a silent promise hung in the air – a promise of loyalty, friendship, and a love that transcended labels and defied expectations. It was a love forged in the battlefield, a love that fueled their fight for humanity, a love that would lead them beyond the Walls, towards a future they would build together.