Knuckles against wood sounded, curious if Jean were busy. Stress and war and busy busy busy. He knew to expect it, what he didn't expect was the longing. Missing the other so much. "Jean?" he called, hopeful.
It had been too long. Months? Almost a whole year perhaps since he’d last felt he’d had time to sit down and breathe. Things had piled up and he’d lost himself completely in piles of paper and hours upon hours vigorous training outside. He’d neglected everything but work. Burying himself deep despite how it seemed that a new pile of forms appeared for each piece of paper he filed. He hadn’t spent time with friends in forever, his family had written letters he’d never found the time to respond to.. And Erwin..
The name made his chest ache with regret. He’d known that his own personal life would be put on hold while he had new responsibilities to be in charge of, but for some reason he’d never quite believed it could possibly be this bad. He missed Erwin most of all. Some days when the stress was particularly bad he’d look at the ring shining bright on his finger and it would be enough to push him onward. But the doubts were rising. Would he still be interested when his apprentice was working himself to the bone and appearing to make no effort to spend time with him?No. If anyone was to understand that work came first, it would be the Commander. He’d been the one to warn Jean that this was to be intense in the first place.
He sighed, putting down his quill and for once not knowing what else was needed to be done for today. It seemed that finally he was on top of things, perhaps even a few days in advance. At last.
Did somebody knock on the door? He’d gotten lost in his thoughts again. In case he had he called out that it was unlocked. Worst case he just shouted to thin air and nobody was there at all.
‘Maria, I need a fuckin’ holiday..’
