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daisynik7 · 10 months

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Give You Blue

Chapter 6: Gravity

Set me free, leave me be, I don’t want to fall another moment into your gravity.

Pairing: Eren x f!reader, Reiner x f!reader (past relationship)

Rating: Explicit (for mature content)

cw: switching POVs (reader is in 2nd person, Eren is in 3rd), underaged drinking, language, suggestive dialogue, kissing, angst

Word Count: ~5.0k

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Summary: You attend a party with Annie, only to run into Reiner unexpectedly. Mistakes are made and once again, Eren is to your rescue, this time more than ever before. Author’s Notes: Thank you for your patience with this! Sorry this took a while to get out. What do we think of this chapter? Juicy? Messy? Let me know! Likes, reblogs, and/or comments are always appreciated, thanks so much for supporting this slow burn of a story. I promise, next chapter is (finally) spicy! Enjoy!

You’re already dreading tonight as you walk beside Annie towards an off-campus party house. Your roommate managed to coax you into going out tonight, the first time all semester. You were reluctant at first, unsure if you’re truly in the mood for booze and mingling. Then they told you it’s a party for Armin’s birthday, which piqued your interest. That’s because you’re certain that Eren, Armin’s best bud and your special friend, is going to be there.

He came to your door in tears about two weeks ago after telling his parents about changing his major. Obviously, it didn’t end well. Since then, his father hasn’t reached out to him. His mother said that he, “Needs time to come around.” How cruel can a parent be, to discount their child’s emotions all to live out some legacy they think is worth pursuing? And for what? Money and notoriety?

You held him in your arms that night, only letting go when Annie returned to the room, making all types of snide remarks. Eventually, the two of you retreated into his room, where you ate leftover pasta while Eren recounted exactly what happened. You stayed with him until he fell asleep on his bed, watching him from the desk as his eyelids fluttered into a peaceful slumber, one that was well-needed and deserved after the emotional night he experienced.

The fallout has him freaked out, naturally. He’s put a pause on his plans, even reconsidering the whole thing. While he knows in his heart that it’s the best option for him, he can’t escape the never-ending need to please his father. For now, he’s prioritizing his upcoming exams and projects to get himself through the semester, one day at a time. Baby steps, you tell him. Baby steps.

As the two of you approach the door, the bass of loud music already reverberating through the exterior, Annie turns the handle, entering the house. It’s already packed with other students, a few you recognize, most of whom you don’t. As you make your way through the crowd, Annie stands on her tiptoes to see if she can spot the birthday boy. “He’s in the kitchen,” she announces, leading you into the next room.

Armin stands against the counter beside a girl with black hair, sipping on their drinks. You walk up to them, Armin exclaiming, “Annie! You made it!” He launches forward, wrapping her in a snug embrace. Her cheeks flush from the unexpected affection.

You wave at his friend, introducing yourself. She eyes you curiously, returning your greeting. “I’m Mikasa. I recognize your name. Do you know my brother, Eren Jaeger?”

“Yes, I do. He’s my RA, actually.”

She smirks. “I see. He told me about you.”

“Me?” you ask, caught off guard.

“Yeah. Says you’re a really good friend. He’s been keeping you hidden like some sort of treasure, so it’s nice to finally meet you.”

Before you can respond, Eren’s voice rings out, “Mikasa! What are you doing?!” He’s at the other side of the room, hastily pushing his way through the party goers. When he arrives, he nudges her. “Don’t embarrass me in front of my favorite resident.”

“You’re the one who’s embarrassing yourself! We were only talking..”

He looks at you, laughing. “I hope my sister wasn’t harassing you.”

You smile at him, flustered by him calling you his favorite resident. “She’s not.”

She pokes her elbow into his ribs playfully. “See? I’m being good. Now, if you really want to know, I’ve got almost fifteen years of dirt on him.”

With a brow raised, you reply, “Oh, I’m all ears.”

“There’s no way I’m letting this happen unsupervised,” Eren teases, moving to stand next to you, his arm pressed to yours.

They share stories about their childhood, including how the two of them met Armin on the school playground, saving him from bullies. You enjoy this glimpse into Eren’s life; it makes you feel closer to him. A few times during the conversation, his hand slides over yours for emphasis as he elaborates on a tale. It sets your skin ablaze, alarming and exhilarating all at once. Annie hands you a drink that you don’t bother consuming it, too enthralled by Eren’s overwhelming presence. You almost want to pull him into a private room and keep him all to yourself.

It switches in a flash when you hear the familiar voice and that dreadful nickname. “Coco?” Reiner stands by the fridge, staring at you with a bottle of beer in his hand. “What are you doing here?”

How reckless of you to forget that Reiner and Armin are in the same fraternity. Of course he’s here. They’re brothers. All the elation you felt up until this point sinks into the floor, along with your feet heavy on the tiles, unable to move. You despise how helpless you are around him, body shutting down or reacting in ways beyond your control. He’s got a firm grip on you without physically touching you.

Eren clears his throat, readjusting his posture to stand straight. “It’s a party. So she’s here to party.”

Reiner glares at him. “Who are you?”

“I’m her friend.”

“I thought you were her RA.”

“Sounds like you remember me then,” Eren replies, smirking.

There’s tightness in your chest as you hold your breath, anticipating his next move. Sensing your panic, Eren brushes his hand across yours, squeezing. This doesn’t go unnoticed. Reiner lunges forward, shouting, “Hey, hey! Don’t touch her!” He grabs you by the arm, pulling you towards him and away from Eren.

Mikasa grasps your other side, tugging you back. “Reiner, what the fuck?”

The commotion has gotten the attention of the rest of the room, hushing their own conversations to check out what’s going on. Reiner pleads, “Coco, we have to talk. Let’s go somewhere private.”

Still speechless, you try to keep your feet planted to the floor, unwilling to follow. Your knees give in as he drags you with him. Another hand holds you; it’s Eren, who’s staring at Reiner with an expression you’ve never seen before on his otherwise happy-go-lucky face. “You’re hurting her. Let her go.“

“Stay out of our fucking business,” he growls, fingers digging deep into your flesh.

You do your best to yank yourself from his clutches. “Reiner, that hurts.”

As soon as you say it, he lets go, apologizing. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Mikasa shoves him, separating you farther. “What is your problem?”

Bertolt appears, towering over everyone, standing behind his friend. “Hey, let’s go get some air or something.”

Reiner ignores him. “Coco, please. I just want to talk,” he begs.

Annie huddles beside you, immediately in fight mode. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Everything is moving in a blur. The only thing clear to you is Eren’s soothing voice in your ear, his lips grazing your skin. “Hey, you’re okay. It’s going to be okay.”

And you believe it, too. You don’t want to leave his side, but as the tension continues to escalate, the only solution is out. You grab your drink and rush out of the kitchen, maneuvering past prying eyes and nosy whispers. Thankfully, the music is still playing, and by the time you’re up the stairs, locked inside a bathroom, the typical party commotion resumes.

Your phone rings in your pocket; you ignore it, switching it to silent without checking who’s calling. Inspecting your reflection in the mirror, eyes swelling with tears already, you can’t help laughing at yourself, alone in this random bathroom, crying once again over Reiner. It’s ridiculous. You’re so mad at him for ruining your night, for letting him ruin your night. All you could do was stand there, helpless. And when it became too much, you ran away instead of facing it head on. It’s so typical of you to act this way. That’s why he hasn’t left you alone yet. You’re too afraid to deal with it once and for all. Too scared of cutting that string that connects the two of you since you were five years old, the one holding together all your precious memories of a life before all this. At this rate, you’ll never move on, coiled by it until it you’re too tied up to break free.

Sitting on the closed toilet seat, you wipe your tears, noticing the drink you carried in here with you. Without giving it a second thought, you chug it, deciding that tonight, you’re going to resort to alcohol as temporary relief. It’s sickly-sweet sliding down your throat, the liquor hardly noticeable in whatever concoction some frat boy brewed. However, it’s there, and you crave more of it, desperate for an escape.

~~~

Eren doesn’t chase after her. And it’s not because he doesn’t want to; if it were his choice, he’d be right beside her, consoling her, holding her. Before he does, Mikasa grabs him. “Give her space. She needs space.”

He opens his mouth to protest, but doesn’t speak, knowing she’s right. The last thing he needs is to screw up their friendship by making dumb, rash decisions like this. He isn’t supposed to be involved; it’s an issue between her and her ex, something he shouldn’t get in the middle of. It’d be easy to avoid if they were just friends, if Eren didn’t have any stake in this. That’s the problem, though: Eren has fallen for her. And hard.

It’s only now that he realizes Reiner is still being restrained by Armin and Annie, struggling to surpass the two bodies to get to him. “I just want to talk; I’m not going to hit him!”

Eren steps towards them, not intimidated, feeling bold. “You’re hurting her.” The words tumble out of his mouth easily, as if he’s been itching to let it out.

Reiner’s eyes narrow, upset. “Excuse me?”

Eren mentions her name, repeating, “You’re hurting her.”

Annie and Armin glance nervously between the two, maintaining a firm grip on Reiner. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“If you really love her, you’d let her go.”

“Eren,” Mikasa warns him, tugging at his sleeve. So much for not getting involved. He’s aware of the line he’s crossing, though he can’t help himself. Not when he’s picturing her, crying in the corner of a room because this asshole won’t leave her alone. Of course he’s going to try and protect her.

Reiner glares at him. “What’s your deal?”

Eren struggles to answer. After all, who is he in all of this? The random RA who lives down the hall? A concerned friend? Above all, he’s someone who cares for her immensely. Isn’t that enough of an excuse to intervene?

When he doesn’t respond, Reiner continues. “You have no idea what our relationship is like. We’ve known each other since we were – “

“Five, yeah, I’ve heard the story,” Eren interrupts. “Maybe it’s time for you to grow up.”

This elicits another aggressive response from Reiner, to which Bertolt joins in on restraining him.

Armin, in a commanding voice, demands, “That’s enough. Calm down, okay?!”

“I’m not gonna to let him talk to me like that!” Reiner argues, reaching is arms out towards Eren, who remains nonchalant. This guy doesn’t scare him, not one bit. Reiner is a selfish coward; greedy for more, afraid to lose what he has. She’s a safety net to fall on. The back burner for when he needs warmth he can’t find anywhere else. It isn’t fair to her, being the last resort. She should be loved always, not only when it’s convenient.

Mikasa sidles up to him, whispering, “We should go before he really explodes.”

He runs his fingers through his hair, sighing. “I’ll leave. Just…keep an eye on her for me. Make sure she’s okay.”

Annie gives him a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry, Eren. I’ll tell her to call you,” she says, using her strength to stave off Reiner, who’s red in the face.

He nods. “You don’t have to tell her anything. If she wants me, she’ll find me.”

Reiner threatens, “I don’t know what you’re trying to do with Coco, but I’m warning you. Stay away from her.”

“If you really cared about her, you’d stay away from her too.” Eren pivots on his heel to leave. Back turned, exiting the kitchen, he adds, “By the way, she hates that nickname.” He smirks to himself, listening to Reiner curse at him on his way out the door.

~~~

With your cup empty, cheeks warm with a gradual buzz, you finally leave the bathroom to find more liquor. When you reappear in the kitchen, Reiner and Bertolt are gone, thankfully. Annie spots you, relieved. “Are you okay?”

You nod at her, giving her a timid smile. “Yeah. As long as Reiner is gone, I’m okay.”

She sighs, frustrated. “Unfortunately, he’s outside.”

Focused on the obnoxiously large Gatorade tub on the countertop, you shrug with your cup in hand. “Fine. Let’s hope I get drunk enough to pretend he isn’t here.” You dispense the reddish liquid till your cup is filled to the brim, carefully tipping it into your mouth. Annie watches, concerned and impressed, as you continue to gulp it down until it’s empty. “Whoa. Easy there, you don’t want to get too fucked up, right?”

Already tapping more into your cup, head starting to get hazy with a buzz, you respond, “Actually, that’s exactlywhat I want to do right now.” You finish it, Annie monitoring you nervously, not saying anything.

Soon, the two of you join Mikasa and Armin in the living room, which has been converted into a temporary dancefloor. You’re smooshed by bodies and engulfed in heat, the intense bass from the speakers drowning out whatever thoughts remain in your mind. This is exactly what you needed, to be lost in something, having fun without worrying about anything other than yourself. An escape.

As luck would have it, this only lasts for a few minutes. From your peripheral, you catch Reiner making his way to you, Bertolt trailing behind. “Coco!” he shouts over the crowd.

Annie glares at him, shielding you. “Fuck off.”

“I only want to talk. Please.”

It’s only now that you can properly study his complexion. Dark shadows under his eyes, facial hair unkempt as if he hasn’t properly groomed it. There is some pity, seeing the boy you grew up with and loved with all your heart look like a shell of himself. More than anything, though, you’re fed up. Liquid courage surging through you, you decide that tonight, you’re going to end this exhausting game he’s playing once and for all. The long-winded back-and-forth you’ve had to endure this past semester. You won’t allow him to ruin you, destroy the both of you. Not anymore.

“It’s okay,” you tell your friends, stepping around them towards Reiner. “I’ll deal with this.”

Annie utters your name, loose grip on your wrist, a last-ditch effort to stop you. You pass her a confident grin, patting her hand. “It’s okay. I’ll be okay.”

Standing tall, you face him. “You want to talk? Fine, let’s talk.”

You lead the way upstairs, past the bathroom you were previously hiding in and into the nearest unoccupied bedroom, shutting the door. Once you switch the lights on, you’re suddenly extremely aware that you and Reiner are alone, enclosed in this small space for the first time since that day you said goodbye. There’s a sense of déjà vu, filling you with an uneasiness you can’t quite explain. You’re teetering on the edge, a risk of falling at any moment.

“Coco,” he starts.

Before he can continue, you interrupt him. “Reiner, you can’t keep ambushing me like this. It’s not fair to me. I’m trying my best to move on, I can’t do that if you’re always pestering me!”

“I know, I know. But – ”

“I already told you why we can’t be friends, so stop trying.”

“Please listen to –”

“I’m finally getting used to not having you around anymore, so just leave me alone –”

“I want to get back together.”

You stare at him, stunned, slowly processing what he said.

“Coco, I want to be with you. I want it to be us again. I was a fucking idiot for breaking up in the first place.”

Still, you’re speechless, astounded by the words coming out of his mouth. It doesn’t help that the alcohol in your system is taking its effect, head dizzy and balance wobbly.

Reiner reaches for your hand, holding it in his. His thumb brushes across your knuckles, the way it used to all those times in the past. “I’m a fucking mess without you. I can’t sleep, I can’t think. Every day I miss you. I don’t want this anymore. I want you.”

You finally find the will to speak, voice trembling. “You can’t take back what happened.”

“Why not? This semester has been the worst without you. Why can’t we forget about what happened and go back to the way it was?”

“I don’t think I can do that.”

His hands cup your cheeks, forehead pressed to yours. And while your mind is screaming at you to stay strong, to push him away, your body stays still, melting into his touch. “Coco, I love you. I’ll always love you. I realize that now. I’m sorry it took all of this to realize it. I’m sure of it now. Please, baby. I need you.”

Your confidence is dwindling. You came into this room, intending to end it. Now, you find yourself wavering under his words. The words you so badly wanted to hear ever since he broke up with you. It’s your weakness: to be needed, to be wanted. It’d be easy to forget, to go back to the way it used to be. Wouldn’t it?

It will never be the same. You can’t forget what he did, no matter how badly you want to block it out of your memory. That paranoia will always be present. He’s already broken your heart once, what makes you think he don’t do it again? How can you trust someone who so easily crushed you without a fair warning? Who toys with your fragility because of his own selfish desires?

“Reiner, I don’t know,” you whimper, tears filling your eyes, overwhelmed with emotions.

“We’ll figure it out together. You and me. Like old times.” The past. Carefree and in love, in your own little world, just the two of you. Sheltered from the unknown, reliant only on each other. Were you happy in this life? Or did you only convince yourself that you were?

“It’s you and me, Coco. Forever.” He inches forward, lips almost touching. You can smell the harsh aroma of alcohol on his breath, pungent and bitter. When you don’t pull away, he closes the gap, kissing you. His tongue slips inside your mouth, desperate for a taste, and you welcome it, starved for affection after being deprived of it all semester. The once familiar facial hair is foreign on your skin; it’s like he’s a completely different person now, a stranger. And maybe that’s why it makes it easier to kiss him, to imagine him as someone different than the same Reiner you once knew, the one who broke your heart. He’s different this time. He has to be.

What if he’s not?

Suddenly, your body reacts, hands to his chest, shoving him away. “No,” you state, recoiling from him. “No, I can’t do this.”

Grip on your hips, he tugs you in again, scattering kisses along your neck. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay, baby.”

You force him off once more, with more aggression, surprising him. “Stop, Reiner. It’s not okay. I can’t do this. I don’t want to do this. We have to move on. It’s over.”

He grasps you by the shoulders, pleading with you. “I don’t want to move on, Coco. I want us to go back to the way it was, like when we were kids.”

“That’s the problem. We’re not kids anymore! We have to grow up.” Your voice trembles, hands shaking with anguish. You’re saying it as a cruel reminder for the both of you.

“Baby, please,” he begs, surrounding you in a scorching embrace. You can’t breathe, the air too dense in his presence, suffocating you. “I need you. I need you.” He kisses you again, fingers gliding beneath your shirt and along your skin, pulling you to the bed. You succumb to it, the past flashing in your memory like a movie playing in fast forward. Your first kiss, clumsy and awkward because you were only kiddos who had no idea what you were doing. The first time you made love, crossing that line from best friends to lovers, also clumsy and awkward, but it was yours. All the moments when the two of you were in sync with each other, strolling through life glued to the hip. The breakup doesn’t erase the precious memories the two of you share; it’s shown you that maybe this relationship has run its course. Because now, it’s nothing like it used to be. You’d be fooling yourself thinking it can ever go back to the way it was.

Before you go any further, you break apart from him, tears streaming down your cheeks as you stumble to the door, gasping for breath. “I’m sorry, Reiner. We can’t. We can’t do this.” When you open it, the cacophony of party sounds filling you with relief, as if you’ve returned to steady ground, away from whatever orbit he’s attempting to suck you into. You won’t let yourself revolve around him any longer.

You ignore his voice calling for you as you sprint down the stairs, rushing through the crowd, not bothering to check in with Annie in the living room. You can’t face her, not now. Not after you betrayed yourself by kissing your ex. Shame envelopes you as you speed walk your way across campus, heading to your dorm. Halfway on your trek, you send Annie a quick text, explaining that you left the party and that you’re fine, although it’s not entirely truthful. As you swipe your ID at the door, your feet automatically lead you to your safe space.

~~~

Eren lays in bed, gazing up at the ceiling, contemplating. It’s been a while since he left the party, annoyed from his confrontation with Reiner, more so worried about her and how she’s doing. He can’t sleep without knowing whether she’s okay or not.

Phone in hand, he sends Mikasa a quick message, asking for a status update. His sister’s reply has him immediately sitting up, frantic:

Mikasa: She’s talking to Reiner

He hops out of bed, pacing around his room. Talking to him? What could that mean? He attempts to call Mikasa, the suspense eating away at him. When she picks up, he can barely hear her, the background noise of the party too loud. “Mikasa, what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry,” she yells on the other end of the line. “I think she’s trying to end it. She told us she’s dealing with it.”

“I told you to keep an eye on her.”

“I’m not going to stand there in the middle of a private conversation! She’s a big girl, she can handle this.”

He sighs, frustrated. “I know, I just –”

“Eren, you can’t keep protecting her. She’s got to deal with this on her own.”

He doesn’t answer. She’s right; it’s not his battle to fight, no matter how much he wants to.

“Oh shit,” Mikasa curses. He can hear Annie and Armin’s voice murmuring, though he can’t make out what exactly they’re saying.

“Mikasa, what’s going on?!”

“She texted Annie a few minutes. She said she’s fine, but she left. We don’t know where she is.”

He panics, squeezing the phone between his ear and shoulder, slipping into a jacket, scrambling for his keys. “Okay, I’m going to look for her. Stay there in case she comes back.”

“Eren, I’m sure she’s going to the dorms! Don’t freak out!”

“Well, I’m going to look for her anyways! Please, Mikasa. Do this for me – ”

There’s a knock on his door. Eren sets his keys down, heart racing. “I gotta go,” he quickly mutters into the phone, hanging up. He approaches the door, unlocking and turning the handle slowly.

“Eren?”

She stands in front of him, eyes puffy, biting her lip as if to suppress her crying. He pulls her into a hug, surrounding her in his arms. She relaxes into him, nestling her face into his chest, sniffling. “Hey, you’re okay. You’re okay,” he chants.

In between sobs, she cries, “I’m not. I fucked up, Eren. I really fucked up.”

“Hey, I’m sure it’s not that bad,” he reassures her.

“We kissed. Reiner and I kissed.”

Dread settles in the pit of his stomach as he listens in silence, anticipating what else she will reveal to him.

“We were touching and we almost, I almost…But we didn’t. I stopped it.” She swallows hard, collecting herself before continuing. “I’m so ashamed of myself. I spent the past three months trying to get over him, and I tossed it all aside for one stupid kiss. I’m weak. I’m weak.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” he consoles, rubbing her back. “You’re not weak.”

“I am, though. I’m so fucking desperate to be held, to be touched. Tonight exposed it. I can’t do that again. I just can’t.”

He’s not proud of what he suggests next. Maybe it’s jealousy that makes Eren propose what he’s about to. He justifies it as a friend helping out another friend. It’s a mistake. Not because he’ll hurt her; in the end, it’ll hurt him. He lets his selfish desires overtake the usual logical thinking in his brain. All he can focus on is this, right here, right now. This might be their only chance, his only chance. “How about me?”

“What?”

“Use me. I want to help you.” This is a bad idea, a very bad idea. As soon as he crosses this line, there’s no turning around. He’s all in. It’s the point of no return, and with as much risk as there is in it, there’s no question in his mind that it’s worth it. To have her like this, even for a fleeting moment, is better than not having her at all.

“Eren,” she whispers, peering up at him.

“Rely on me,” he says with a small smile, caressing her cheeks, wiping away her tears.

“Eren,” she repeats, closing her eyes. “I don’t want this to change anything between us. I’m scared I’m going to mess this up again.”

He leans down, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’m always going to care about you, no matter what. I promise. Don’t worry about me.”

They need this, a temporary escape. Him and her, no one else. Cherishing one another, loving each other the way they deserve. It doesn’t matter what the past is or what the future holds. He wants to be lost in this moment with her. She opens her eyes, gazing at him. He bows down, lips close to hers, pausing to wait for her. She kisses him softly, electrifying every nerve in his body.

it’s over too soon; she pulls away, distancing herself. “Eren, I can’t do this to you. I’m all fucked up in the head right now and still a little drunk. You don’t deserve this. I’m so sorry.” Without another glance, she leaves, her hasty footsteps pattering down the hall, Eren listening until he hears her shut the door to her bedroom.

He traces his mouth with his fingers, her essence lingering on his lips. He stands in place for a few more minutes, waiting and hoping for her return. When it doesn’t come, he goes to bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

~~~

You fucked it all up, with Reiner, with Eren. As always, you ran away, unable to stand up for yourself, to face the truth.

With Reiner, you crumbled, allowing him to enrapture you with empty promises and longing for the past. He almost convinced you that everything can go back to normal, which you know it can’t. And with Eren, you pushed him away, too scared to repeat the same mistakes despite your heart yearning for him more and more each day.

His offer to you sticks in your mind as you lay in bed, focused on the ceiling, intoxication completely worn off after a hot shower and much-needed hydration. Rely on me. Use me. It wasn’t fair to take advantage of him while you were in such a fragile state, drunk and in tears after your confrontation with Reiner. Hours later, with a clearer head, you can’t stop thinking about him. I’m always going to care about you, no matter what. It’s the only promise of the night that you actual believe.

You check your phone for the time: 4:17 AM. Glancing to your side, Annie sleeps peacefully in her bed, having arrived a few hours earlier. You explained to her vaguely what happened, leaving out the details about both kisses, not ready to deal with her blunt reactions. As quietly as you can, you slide into your slippers, sneaking out of the room. Halfway down the hall, you second-guess yourself, almost turning on your heel to go back. However, Eren’s soothing voice replaying in your head entices you. One moment of unadulterated bliss together wouldn’t be so bad, right?

Before you change your mind, you knock quietly on his door, nervous and excited. It doesn’t take long for him to answer. He stands before you, wide awake, a comforting smile upon seeing you. And while this whole night was a blurry, fucked up mess, this is the most certain you’ve been. Even if it is for a short while, a temporary escape from the unkind realities the both of you have to eventually face, it’s clear as day: You want to be with him, and he wants to be with you.

“So,” you say, stepping towards him. “Does your offer still stand?”

His smile widens, reaching his arm past you to shut the door. “Absolutely.”

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anystalker707 · 9 months

Text

Behind locked doors (1/2)

Pairing: Reiner Braun x [gender neutral] Tybur! Reader Summary: You just want to have fun with that damn hot soldier. Tags: Forbidden relationship kinda thing / Penetration (no gendered description) / Choking / Harsh / One line of dirty talk

MASTERLIST

Reiner quietly watched you walk around with your older brother and a few other military officers trailing behind you while the commander seemed to lead the way. He cleaned his throat, adjusting his uniform as the talk among the others faded, substituted by attempts to fix their hair or their posture. This nervousness hung in the air and crawled under their skin, making them tense up with each step you and the others took closer.

“Now,” Commander Magath said, but it was directed to you and your brother. “I want you to meet who fights for our motherland right now. I’m sure you only knew their predecessors.”

Having the Tyburs in Marley during such a moment of uncertainty and agitation was like having the hand of a deity reaching out to fix Marley’s wounds—this time, it wasn’t just a palliative and the Tybur family there for their occasional appearances to put pressure on the military and appease the population. The new agitation in Paradis was enough to have Willy Tybur bringing the War Hammer Titan into the show, and even the highest ranks in the military had no idea of their identity. As of what seemed, anyone in the present part of the family could have the titan.

Despite Willy being the head of the family, you were there, too, tagging along with your older brother everywhere. Could you be the shifter? Probably not. They wouldn’t risk you, then. Whatever your function was, no one ever provided any explanation.

Opposite to the friendly—and probably fake—smile on Willy’s face, you instead had that cold gaze. You looked all the soldiers up and down, scanning all of them. Were you also one of those people who despised Eldians? That’d be quite hypocritical, but anyone was far from caring about that.

When your gaze fell upon him, Reiner felt his breath stop in his throat, freezing at the way your eyes scanned his uniform until meeting his own. There was something in your gaze that he couldn’t quite decipher, but still made something stir inside him.

As the others talked, you kept looking around, stepping away, and darting off until Reiner felt a hand on his forearm.

“Could you perhaps show me around?” Your voice was quiet as you looked at him from under your lashes with such a gaze.

Reiner needed a couple of seconds to make sure he still had himself together before he nodded and took a step, confirming you were coming along before he started walking.

Sun shone down on the quarters and, like usual, the kids were being trained and yelled at by the instructors as they raced with all that heavy equipment, but still had unwavering determination. The voices started becoming evident according to how the two of you approached them, the screams and cheers turning into actual words.

“I see there’s a training going on.” You observed the kids, eyebrows knitted together.

“They’re the candidates to be the next warriors for Marley,” Reiner explained plainly as he walked a few steps after you, his hands clasped behind his back. “They’ve been on intense training ever since being chosen.”

“I see,” you mumbled, raising your eyebrows and resuming the blank face you had on now and then. It wasn’t easy to read. Still, Reiner didn’t try to think too much about it, only following as you made your way around a building, heading over to the back of it.

A few trees littered the area, which had a wall limiting it. There weren’t even windows on the back of the quarters; there was nothing to see, hence it wasn’t even a guarded place, really, only with occasional rounds. Reiner was about to let you know about it when the words died on his tongue and his back met the wall, knocking some air from his lungs.

Reiner’s eyes widened as he looked at you, your hands tight around the lapel of his uniform jacket’s lapel as you pinned him to the wall. Your eyes observed him with a new air now, with actual interest.

“You’re a strong guy, Mr soldier,” you mumbled, “nothing that one wouldn’t expect from the Armor himself. Also, quite...” The words trailed into silence as your eyes went from his face to his chest and down.

Reiner wanted to say something, but the most he could do was clean his throat and inhale.

“You don’t have that pride the others have.” You blinked, that piercing gaze finding out more than he wished to let anyone else know. Whatever you muttered next sounded too unclear, but it didn’t matter once your lips pressed to his.

The dinner with the Tyburs meant reinforced guard. Reiner and Galliard were around just in case. Galliard was outside, but Reiner continued in the dining room because he ‘had a feeling’, standing there with the other guards as he observed all those people sit and eat as if they were worth something more than him and his comrades just because of the blood that ran in their veins.

Unlike Willy, you didn’t talk a lot, only making additional comments whenever you considered needed, but your voice was still too quiet for Reiner to catch on anything, as much as he tried to. Why did he care, anyways?

Reiner left the dining room after all of those people did. If it were a while ago, he would be mentally judging their careless manners while watching their back, but now, things were just so confusing after being confronted with everything he had learned in Paradis that his mind was just blank. He only kept absentmindedly walking until suddenly pulled into a room.

Fuck, was Eren there to get his hands on the Marley Titans? Reiner couldn’t see anything in the darkness, but he knew full well that the soft hand that rested upon his lips preventing him from screaming was too soft to be from an officer or any sort of fighter in general, so it couldn’t be that bad, right?

The hand slowly slipped off Reiner once he relaxed his shoulders, and the only stripe of light that entered the room slowly vanished into nothing once the door closed and the lock clicked. His breath was slow as he observed it, but it caught in his throat again the moment the lights turned on and he saw you standing there in that office that even he didn’t know who it belonged to. You observed Reiner up and down, and just that was enough to send a shiver down his body.

Were you expecting him to say something? Did Reiner need to do anything right now?

“I didn’t think you would...” Reiner’s voice sounded too loud in that small room.

You just pushed yourself back, sitting on top of the desk, pushing some stuff to the side to open some space. “It’s rare finding some guy like you. Good looking, tall, strong...” You mumbled, scanning Reiner again, and bit down on your lip. “Hot. And I always have my family on my tail preventing me from having whatever I want because ‘a Tybur can’t risk anything in this world’. What’s wrong with me having fun right now that they’re not so focused on me?”

A smile showed up on your face as you spread your legs and Reiner immediately took that as an invitation, stepping closer to stand between them. His breath hitched in his throat a little when your arms wrapped around his neck, your face just centimeters away from his, again.

Reiner’s heart was beating so loud that he wondered if you could hear it, in that small, muffled room.

“Come on, soldier,” you whispered, pulling Reiner closer. “You got all that size for nothing?”

Reiner’s hand was clasped over your mouth to try and prevent the sounds from escaping it every time his hips would meet your ass, slamming inside you just deliciously as he had you bent over that office’s table. Your knuckles were white around the table’s edge and some stuff that previously rested on it was now scattered on the ground.

The hand Reiner had around your hip sank deeply into the skin, holding firmly enough to make you believe you’d have bruises to hide later.

“Can you imagine... if someone saw us right now?” Reiner breathed in your ear, adjusting his hand over your mouth—the way you drooled had made it damp. “A spoiled Tybur being fucked like this by a filthy Eldian and enjoying it?” He breathed a chuckle then moaned when a specific thrust reached just the right spot inside you, making your eyes roll back into your head as you clenched tightly around him.

The idea Reiner put in your mind stirred something inside you, making you quiver under him and become whinier, all summed up to the way he kept thrusting exactly in that angle that made you clench and go weak. You could feel your release approaching but you doubted he would stop just because of an orgasm since he had made sure to already give you one while only preparing you.

“Damn,” Reiner’s breath was hot against your neck, as hot as his body pressing to yours just fine, his chest pressed to your back and brushing against it as he moved. The same chest you had your mouth all over just a while ago.

Reiner’s hand went from your hip to your ass, squeezing the skin as if testing it before his palm met it in a sharp slap that snatched a high-pitched sound from your lips, muffled into his fingers. He groaned, trailing down to grope on your thigh as he kept thrusting, only making a brief pause so he could hook his hand under your knee to bring your leg up; his other hand let go of your face so he could wrap his arm around your torso instead, keeping you bend over the desk.

The new position created a different frame for him to fuck into, allowing Reiner to reach that same spot easier, and it just snatched that orgasm from you in a matter of seconds. Reiner’s name among other babbling spilled from your lips in a string of moans as he hissed, trying to contain himself while keeping moving his hips, feeling you throb around him so nice and good.

“Ah, fuck,” Reiner cursed. He pulled away, ignoring your whine at the emptiness as he helped you turn over to lie with your back on the desk, practically manhandling you.

You were barely used to it when Reiner already had a hand holding your leg up by your thigh to push back into you, cock throbbing as it met that delicious warmth and tightness of your insides once again. He looked at you and the light makeup that once decorated your eyes was now smudged, leaving behind the trails that the tears made—and kept making—on your face due to simply how good he was able to make you feel.

Reiner couldn’t handle it, taking a deep breath as his hand took hold of your neck, holding around it just enough to give you that extra sparkle of pleasure, and he just couldn’t hold it back anymore. He gave his best in those last thrusts, not caring about how the desk under the two of you even rocked a little with his movements. His index finger and thumb sank under your jaw by each side of it to keep your head down and give him the best look of your face when you felt him finishing inside you, his thrusts turning shallow as he rode down from his high.

No disgust laced your face, no—you pressed your eyes shut and bit on your lip while muffling a groan. “Ah, shit,” you mumbled, voice still weak, your moan coming out high-pitched when Reiner slowly pulled off you. He clicked his tongue, observing the cum drip out of your hole while he muttered something under his breath.

Reiner took hold of your jaw, turning your head towards his so he could give you another kiss, slowly easing you down as well. His thumb ran along your cheek in a light touch, hand eventually going down to caress the back of your neck in a soothing motion.

“You good?” Reiner whispered between kisses, still a little out of breath.

You could just nod in response, eyes barely open as you observed him. He smiled a little bit, sighing as he held onto your waist; his touch was now light and comforting, almost as if he weren’t the same person who was deep into you seconds ago. That was exactly what you needed, whatsoever.

“Very,” you finally muttered in response as your arms snaked around his neck.

⋆｡‧₊°꧁ ༺𓆩❦︎𓆪༻ ꧂‧₊˚.⋆

PART TWO

#shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan #reiner braun #x male reader #x female reader #gender neutral #smut #imagine #oneshot #eren yaeger #jean kirschstein #fan fic #fan fiction #reiner x reader

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drunkoffsmoke · 8 months

Note

Hey do you have any platonic Headcanons for Reiner,Mikasa,and Armin?

a/n: RAGHHH IM SO SORRY I DIDNT SEE THE REQUEST EARLIER!!!! I DIDNT GET A NOTIF— anyways brother elliot shall provide once more >:) (this is like season 1-2 so no spoilers).

pairing: Reiner x gn!reader ; Mikasa x gn!reader ; Armin x gn!reader.

fandom: AOT (Attack on Titan).

genre: Fluff, headcanons.

! WARNING ! : N/A. (it's sfw pookies)

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Reiner Braun.

Man is FLEXING his ass off when you're around.

Anything he thinks you might like? He's showing it off. Whether it be leadership skills (which he barely has) or muscles (okay he does have those), HE'S SHOWING OFF.

He likes to get your attention through random stuff such as constant poking or annoying you.

Since you're close to Reiner, he talks a lot about you to his friends Annie and Bertholdt.

Bertie likes you, although Annie keeps her distance. It's not that she doesn't like you, it's just that she's a loner and wants to keep it that way.

He probably follows you around during missions to make sure you're safe.

He's like a golden retriever off the field, but on the field, he's the most protective mf you can ever meet.

The second a titan reaches out to grab you, boom, he's slicing the titan's hand off.

If the mission proves to be easy with few dangers nearby, you and him have little contest like 'who kills more titans' and such.

He doesn't want to admit it, but he lets you win almost every time, blaming it on his gear for being this rusty.

You usually stay up past your curfew and watch the stars.

During this time you don't talk a lot, merely enjoying eachothers presence.

He's usually acting like an older brother, but sometimes you have to be the mature one and step in between fights he's about to start (somebody looked at you wrong).

Super supportive, literally the main cheerleader as you kick somebody's ass during training.

You and him have sparring sessions and he teaches you useful information about hand-to-hand combat!

He'd be a good teacher if he wouldn't be teasing you so much.

"Look at you, you're so fragile, you could never take me down!" were his last words before you kicked his ass.

He was shocked, he didn't expect you to ACTUALLY win the fight.

Nevertheless he's proud of you >:)

Mikasa Ackerman.

She firstly heard about you through Armin, telling her and Eren about how he made a new friend.

She was skeptical at first, thinking you were actually someone mean who just tried to get advantage of her blond friend.

But upon meeting you, she quickly changed her mind.

Mikasa is usually quiet and is always following Eren around, so the two of you don't really get some time alone.

But Armin told you she considers you a good friend of hers!

You're a feisty fellow, so she has to make sure you don't get in trouble aswell (as if she needed another Eren to take care of).

Being the mother friend of the group, she has to make sure nobody gets hurt, so she keeps you, Armin and Eren close when in missions.

Always on alert, she's ready to lash out at anyone who does you wrong.

One time a rookie spoke lowly of you behind your back. Mikasa found out, said she was going to take care of it, and you never saw that rookie again.

It's scary what she's willing to do to protect her loved ones, but it only makes you realize she is a good person deep down.

Honestly you're closer to Armin than her, but she doesn't mind that, since it gives her and Eren some alone time (nothing happens in this time, but she likes it when it's just her and Eren hanging around).

Not really good with praises, but will congratulate you after missions, saying you did a good job before walking away.

Armin Arlert.

If you're close to him, you're ultimately close to Eren and Mikasa too.

He likes to talk to you about facts he's learned from books and he's genuinely happy you listen to him (unlike a certain SOMEONE who has brown hair and teal eyes glares at Eren).

You had to rescue him a couple times from bullies. Because of that, you tried to teach him how to defend himself, although he believed this wasn't the right way.

He probably shows off every new item he found. It's mainly cool rocks or shards of glass bottles, but the way he's presenting them makes the trinkets look like some ancient relics.

He is a great listener and offers good advice where he can.

Most of the time he's shy so you have to speak up for him, he's really thankful you do that for him.

Armin's parents like you a lot, especially since you help out Armin so much. They tell you stuff about Armin which makes him embarrassed and blush.

You know the song 'To the Bone' about Undertale?

Well there's this one part saying "I am the Mastermind, he's my accomplice!"

Yeah that's Armin, and you're "You're still alive because I made a promise."

You guys are a great duo, fighting off titans together (although you end up eliminating most of them since Armin is a bit rusty on his skills, he's learning tho!) during missions and such.

He probably tells you all about the wonders of the ocean he's learned from his little book, it gets you as excited as him and it makes him feel as if he doesn't just let the information fall on deaf ears.

He thinks you're a strong, independent person and admires you for that.

He's the orange cat friend and you're the doberman friend. You can't convince me otherwise.

#aot #aot x reader #x male reader #x gn reader #reiner braun #reiner x reader #mikasa ackerman #mikasa x reader #armin arlert #armin x reader #headcanons #fluff #attack on titan

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yourlocaltrashcan657 · 30 days

Text

~| Yandere Connie Springer x Reader |~

Gamer AU

“Con, we have to talk.” Y/N mumbled a she stood shyly at the door. Looking at her boyfriend, he seemed to still be playing his video game with Jean and Eren. “Con.”

”Hold on baby. I’m almost done with this battle.. for fucks sake Jean! He’s right there, how did you miss him?!” Connie yelled at the screen as he aggressively clicked the controller buttons.

”Con, it’s really important..” Y/N said, as she spoke up from her mumble. “Can’t you play this later? I have to talk to you.”

“I said to wait Y/N, I’m almost done..” Connie said still not making eye contact with his beloved girlfriend. His game’s volume had been so high that he hadn’t heard Y/N sat the next few words or hear her walk off.

“Yo Connie! You better say hi to Y/N for us.” Jean teased from his mic.

”Fuck off Jean, you know perfectly well that Y/N is my girl and doesn’t want to see your horse face. Right baby?” Connie asked, still not looking away from his screen. “Right? Y/N why aren’t you responding-“

As Connie looked back, he saw Y/N had left the room. Groaning in annoyance, Connie began to log off his game and turned his computer off. Standing up he walked into the hallway and peeked into the bathroom, trying to scare Y/N.

”Boo! Did I scare- Y/N?” Connie confusingly asked as he stepped in fully. “Damn it where did you go?” Walking down the stairs, Connie strolled into the kitchen, hoping to scare her from behind only to find out that Y/N wasn’t there either.

”Where did you go Y/N..?” Connie asked to Y/N as though she could hear him. Making his way to the living room, he looked under the pillows and under the couches for Y/N only to be even more puzzled. “Babe, I’m sorry if I did anything. Come out and I’ll give loads of kisses.”

No response. Soon, Connie had begun to feel worried and anxious about his girlfriend’s whereabouts. He tried calling Y/N but it only went to voicemail . Calling Sasha, Connie began to sweat profusely , listening to the phone ring.

“Hello Connie!” Sasha said on the other side of the phone.

”Sasha! Do you know where Y/N is? She left our house without telling me anything!” Connie rambled.

“Woah woah woah! Calm down, I’m sure she’s at the corner shop getting some food for you like she usually does.” Sasha explained.

”Y-yeah you’re right, sorry for disturbing you.” Connie said before hanging up. Hours went by and Y/N still hadn’t turned up, Connie was still worried about her and grew more anxious. If only he had stopped playing his game for a few minutes or even seconds to just listen to her. Suddenly the door had opened.

”Babe!” Connie called out as he rushed to the front door. Y/N slipped off her shoes and looked at him annoyed. “Baby, where did you go?! I was so worried-“

”I went to Annie’s house.” Y/N muttered before walking down the hallway, carrying a bag of food. Connie quickly followed after her, wanting more answers.

”Why did you go there?! You didn’t tell me anything about where you were going! I was so worried I had to call Sasha!” Connie said unhappily.

”The reason I didn’t say anything was because you didn’t stop playing that crappy game, you aren’t even good at, to listen to me!” Y/N explained angrily. “I had to do a group project with her and Reiner.”

”Reiner?!” Connie asked even angrier. “What the fuck was he doing at a girls house? Heck, why were you and Reiner together?!”

”For a group project! How can you be so dense Connie?!” Y/N asked.

”Seriously Y/N, I ignore you for a few seconds and you can’t even call me by my nickname, you go out without my permission, you don’t telling me anything, and worst of all you hang out with Reiner!” Connie yelled. “What are you going to do with him after now huh? Are you going to fuck him because I ignored you for a while?”

”Oh my god! You’re literally twisting my words! I never said anything like that and Reiner is like a brother to me since I’ve known him for so long!” Y/N exclaimed.

”Get away from me Y/N! You just wanna fuck with the taller, brawny guys and ignore your skinner boyfriend.” Connie mumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest.

”Shut the hell up Connie! You were the one who was too busy playing a video game in which you excel in more than your studies.” Y/N yelled before slipping her shoes on and exiting the house, making sure to slam the door on the way out.

Reading that text was a nightmare for Connie. His beloved girlfriend that he would constantly flex off on his friends, pepper kisses on her face, go out with during the weekend, just broke up with him. Worst of all, it was over a text.

She hadn’t sent him a voice message, called him or sent a voicemail but texted him her break up message and soon stopped talking to him. Sasha and Jean had supported him through his break up but he often pushed them away.

Walking up to her doorstep, he knocked on the door and held the bouquet of flowers in his hands along with the chocolates. Opening the door, Y/N looked at him annoyed. She looked much more different from when she was dating him.

”Y/N baby please.” Connie begged as he saw Y/N trying to close the door.

”Go away Connie. I don’t want to see you.” Y/N grumbled.

”Listen, I know I was wrong. I should’ve listened to you, aid more attention to you! I shouldn’t have been so god damn possessive baby.” Connie admitted as he stepped closer and closer.

”S-still.” Y/N muttered as she crossed her hands over her chest.

”Y/N, you’re my girl. Only mine. I can’t even sleep without you at night! I miss your touch, scent, laugh, everything!” Connie confessed as dropped down onto his knees and hugged her waist.

”C-Connie. Get up.” Y/N ordered, embarrassed of his actions.

“Yes ma’am.” Connie said as he stood up immediately. “So.?”

”Your lucky that I love you.” Y/N said before embracing her possessive boyfriend. “You didn’t take anything from me before we broke up, did you?”

”N-No. why do you ask?” Connie asked as he tilted her head up by her chin.

”Some of my private clothes have gone missing..” Y/N said as she walked inside her house.

”Oh.. that’s a shame.” Connie mumbled as he tucked her red lingerie back into his back pocket and entered her house.

#yandere aot #yandere aot x reader #yandere connie springer #connie springer #connie attack on titan #yandere #yandere shingeki no kyojin #connie springer x you #connie springer x y/n #sasha braus #connie springer x reader #jean kirstein #aot au

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blaxcunicorn · 9 months

Text

Diaboli's Angelus

Chapter: 6

Length: 4.7k

Authors note: Heeey it's me again, the chapter turned out short than what I anticipated but hope you like it.

Chapter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Tag: @okaystopwhore

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“Have you seen my wife?” He asks the two guards. their eyes widen as they haven´t seen you around today. They look stupidly at each other praying that the other soldier had seen you. Eren closes his eyes to control his famous anger “You better find me, my wife.” He says between his teeth, by the time he opens his eyes they had run off to search for you. He walks quickly praying that you’ll be sitting on the couch drifting away in one of his mother's old books. Unfortunately to him was your library spotless, no sight of you ever visiting it today.

He slams the door and is rushing over to your Chamber. Miksasa is holding a laundry basket looking confused at Eren. Why is he so distressed? “Mikasa, have you seen my wife?” The words my wife stings her heart. “No? I have been cleaning the library the whole day. Maybe she is in the garden I’ll check.” The raven-haired girl drops the basket and picks up her dress jogging towards the garden. Eren tries to breath in to calm his anxiety, his fingers are shaking. What if something happened to you? He tries to shake off the thought. “Thank you! Also, alert Levi!” he shouts and is responded to by her turning her head and nodding.

Eren turns around to see if he can at least find Reiner, he must know about his wife’s whereabouts. On his way to the knights' chamber, he sees a smirking Zeke standing nonchalantly next to the window. He is holding his cigarette leaning his back on the wall. Eren knows that Zeke played a part in your disappearance, he knows his brother far too well. “If something has happened to her…” Eren says between his teeth. It took him a lot of mental strength not to punch him in the face. Zeke puffs out the cigarette smoke “Relax brother, why would I hurt my dear sister-in-law?” Eren feels his heart pound into millions of beats per second, the rage that was growing is cut by Mikasa. “We found her! She is at the main door,” she shouts rushing to Eren’s side. “Was she in the garden?” Eren asks as it was the most logical place for you to be. “No, I couldn´t find her anywhere” Mikasa says leading the way to the door. Eren sees you walk in with Reiner beside you, he tries to read your body language and you look like a thief caught stealing.

The Royal guards are surrounding the two of you which stresses you out, so you hide behind Reiner as instinct to hide from the attention. You feel your underarms sweat and you close your eyes to try and control your anxiety as you just realised that you were not breathing properly the second you entered the door. You thought that Eren was going to be away for at least a night or two. Seeing your husband standing there is like standing in front of a ghost. Relief replaces Eren’s anxiety but the anger, oh boy that one has not disappeared. He scans through your body to see if you have any injuries but spots the bag of sweets in your hand and dirt on your white shoes. He closes his eyes and chews his inner cheek praying that his theory is false“Did you guys go outside the palace, Reiner?” The knight stiff at the angry voice of his King. He looks down trying to come up with an explanation. He knows far too well that lying to Eren is suicidal. You can feel Reiner’s body shaking a bit so you try to step in Reiner’s defence as it was you who dragged him into your mess. “N-no, we-” your poor attempt to defend him was shut down immediately. “I was asking Reiner, my love” his stare was cold and dull, and his vibrant green eyes were unrecognisable. You take a step back, looking down “S-sorry” you stutter. “W-we went to Stochess for a trip” Reiner responds almost whispering the last part.

Rage possesses Eren “You took her outside the palace after I clearly instructed you not to exit the walls!” Eren’s knuckles turned white as it took every strength in his body not to kill the knight. You standing there is the only reason there aren’t any blood stains on the floor. He turns around “While I was out settling diplomatic issues for the nation, for your families to live in peace! You couldn’t repay your King by watching over my only breathing family member! It will be a head per scratch on her body!” You could see the veins in his neck pop out. You are taken back as you didn’t know that your husband could be so…cruel. Your eyes are itching as tears are building up, how can you possibly solve this?

Armin comes running after hearing what happened from Sasha. Knowing his best friend, it’s not going to end well. He tries to walk past all the soldiers gathered around you without any luck. Mikasa is standing there in shock, she has seen him angry but not this outraged. Her eyes land on you, the sight broke her heart as you are clearly scared of your husband and tearing up. “Eren-” She is stopped by Zeke whispering in her ear, which sends chills down her spine “Just because you were his whore, doesn’t it mean that you can influence him like that.” Mikasa’s eyes widen as she turns around to face the blond Lord. “Excuse me, Lord Zeke, why would you say such a thing?” Zeke snorts “Come on, Ackerman. You were trying to convince him not to react to the fact that his wife went missing. You should stay out of it as it is a family matter.” It took Mikasa a lot of strength not to slap the man “Lord Zeke, I’m in fact, family.” The Lord leans over her ear and whispers “Why? Because of the secret you are carrying? I wonder how your Queen would take it if she found out? If you know what’s best for you, you’ll stay out of this.” Mikasa looks down in defeat while Zeke nods at his wife Lady Pieck Finger.

You in the meantime are stressed out at your husband’s rage. Tears are running down your eyes to the point where you can’t even see either him or the people standing around you. It felt like Eren’s mask melted and the kind and caring husband was gone and underneath you found…must be the “Devil” everyone is talking about. However, you have to try and suck and defend Reiner who is getting mentally torn to pieces by your husband. “M-my apologies for the trouble caused” The knight finally says. “You are sorry?” Eren snorts, your eyes widen in shock it seems like he is almost mocking Reiner. He then continues “You took her outside Reiner! Do you not understand the gravity of the situation? The risks involved? You have jeopardized her safety! This is treachery, I should take your head out and send it back to your poor mother.” That was it, you had to say something he is taking it too far. “S-stop Eren, please!” You walk to stand in front of Reiner in a poor attempt to shield the built man. “I-it was my idea to leave the palace. Reiner tried to stop me but I forced him to come along with me!” You sob “Please don’t punish him, if anything I should be the one losing a head.” You almost whisper the last part.

Eren was about to say something before getting cut by Pieck who is nonchalantly walking past the soldiers to stand next to you. “My Majesty, I understand that this situation is frustrating you” You look down, as you thought that it couldn’t be more embarrassing than it already is. However, you are met with Pieck’s warm and comforting smile which calms you down. “However, it´s not something you solve in public. As a married couple and as her husband are you supposed to resolve your issues in private. Think about your wife's honour.” She looks over at you and Eren´s cold gaze softens as he realises how his rage must have terrified you. Your beautiful brown eyes were filled with tears and anxiety. He hates to admit it but Pieck is right. Eren breathes in deeply “Y/n I wish to see you in my chamber after sunset.” You stare at him with a confused face, firstly he has never invited you to his chamber, you always did the “deed” at yours. Secondly, speaking of deed how can he demand intimacy from you after all this? You are confused but respond with a simple “Yes” and curtsy before he marches away. The soldiers start to leave as the chaos is dying down which leaves you alone with Reiner, Pieck, Mikasa and Armin.

“Reiner, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen, I really thought that w-we…” Tears are running down again. “Don’t worry about it, I believe that his Highness knew that it was bound to happen. He couldn’t keep you caged forever, I kind of knew that the day would come when you’ll ask me to help you sneak out. However, I didn’t know it would be this soon” Reiner laughs it off to lighten your mood, you give him a hug as an apology and which causes him to blush“Y-your Majesty”. “Thank you Reiner” you respond while sniffing. “Here” you receive a tissue from Pieck to dry your tears. “I haven’t properly introduced myself. I’m Lady Pieck Jeager, Zeke´s wife”. The raven-haired woman curtsy. Does Zeke have a wife? She is gorgeous you think to yourself, she seems like a woman with grace. “Thank you for everything, Lady Pieck. I’m truly grateful for the help and I’m also deeply sorry for the disturbance of your peace.” Armin and Mikasa look at each other thinking the same thing, this will lead to no good. “Your Majesty, King Eren wanted you in his chamber, perhaps we should get you ready for that.” You both turn to Mikasa “Yes, of course, thank you, Mikasa.” You give her a small smile while Pieck stared at her with a cold gaze. “Before you leave, I would love to arrange a date for us to drink tea” Pieck says smiling. This time Armin is the one to speak “Lady Pieck, that is an excellent idea. Your Majesty if that’s alright may perhaps my fiance Lady Annie join in. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get to know the Ladies of Eldia, you can even invite Lady Ymir.” He looks nervous at you but relaxes when he is met with your warm smile “That’s an excellent idea, Lord Armin, I will send out invitations.” Mikasa grabs your arm “I can help you with those” she says while leading you to your chamber.

Armin waits until you are out of sight “I don't know what you and Lord Zeke are planning but it’s not going to work. I'm not letting you two poison her mind” He warns Lady Finger. “We are not the enemies here Armin, we just want what’s best for Eldia and its future. He is unfit to be King, his aggressive foreign policies are going to be our downfall.” Armin’s blood is boiling “Unfit? So you want your bastard husband to be the one on the throne. Careful now Lady Pieck, before I advise the King to strip the Finger family of your royal titles.” Pieck doesn't respond other than “You should be careful too, you don't want to upset your future Queen” before walking away. Armin takes a deep breath knowing that he has to come up with a plan to prevent Zeke and Pieck to grow too close to you.

Mikasa on the other hand is getting you ready for your visit. “I-I’ve never seen him this angry” you whisper while she touches up on your makeup. “Your Majesty, I know you might be shocked. Ere- I mean His Majesty got his reasons. He has always had a bad temper…” Mikasa sighs at her ex-lover's behaviour “However, he should not have behaved like that.” She says raising her voice a little. “I know, but I didn’t know that he could be so…cruel.” You respond low as your eyes are starting to sting again. You grab the letter Ciara and Catherine wrote to you and used it as a fan to dry your glassy eyes. Mikasa takes one hand on your knees “Don’t you worry, I believe that he has a soft spot for you. Just stand up for yourself and explain the situation. I’m pretty sure that he’ll understand.” She says trying to be optimistic for you.

Your heart pounds with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as you walk towards the King's chamber. You have never been inside before, and the unfamiliarity of it all adds to your nervousness. The hallway leading to the chamber seems longer than usual, each step echoing in your mind. Your thoughts are disrupted “I’ll leave you here as I’m not allowed to walk into his chamber without his permission” Mikasa curtsies. “Thank you” You curtsy back and smile. “Again, if you need anything I’ll be in my room.” You respond with a warm smile, having Mikasa as your main lady is amazing as she is the person besides Darcy that you can trust with your life.

As you enter the chamber, your eyes widen. Eren's chamber is expansive, adorned with intricate tapestries, ornate furniture, and gilded decorations. The soft glow of the flickering candles casts dancing shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of both warmth and grandiosity. Your gaze falls upon the King, who sits on one of the two plush chairs positioned near a crackling firepit. He remains silent, his face partially illuminated by the gentle light of the flames. There is an air of solemnity about him as if he is deeply absorbed in his thoughts. You hesitate for a moment, your eyes looking around the room, taking in the immense space and the weight of your current situation. With a small gesture, Eren invites you to take a seat in the chair next to his, a silent indication for you to join him.

Your heart flutters nervously as you walk towards the chair. The soft fabric feels cool against your trembling fingers as you carefully lower herself onto the cushioned seat. You steal a quick glance at the King, hoping to get a small clue about his emotions, but his expression remains unreadable. On the seat arm, you spot a bouquet of daffodils, and you pick it up “They are beautiful” you say low “I picked them for you, on my way back from Shiganshina” Eren responds shortly looking straight into your soul. The room feels vast and overwhelming, yet there is an undeniable intimacy in the way you are positioned, the crackling fire creating a cosy ambience. Your mind races with thoughts, unsure of what to say or how to address the tension between you. Do you apologize? No, he had no right to trap you in the palace without a good enough reason. However, you can’t help but feel a bit guilty.

The silence stretches on, punctuated only by the crackling of the fire and the sound of their breathing. You find yourself fidgeting with your hands, your mind clouded with worry. You wonder what’s waiting for you, whether is he going to shout again? and if your relationship can weather this storm. As you steal another glance at Eren, you notice a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes and a slight tension in his jaw. It is a subtle indication that he is wrestling with his own emotions and uncertainties.

Eren is the first to cut the silence “I want to first apologise for my behaviour, I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that”. You were taken a bit back as you were expecting him to be more aggressive. on one hand, really wanted to forgive him, but you still needed to get some stuff out of your chest “I forgive you, however, that behaviour was uncalled for Eren!” Now Eren is the one taken back, firstly how dare you raise your voice at your King? No one has ever raised their voice at him since…his mother. “I wouldn’t have lost my mind if you just listened to me! It’s dangerous out there!” You are slowly losing your cool and Eren is about to get a sample of your wrath “I wouldn't have gone out there if you told me what is going on!” Eren stands up from the chair and you quickly copy him. “Maybe I would have trusted you with it if you listened!” You move closer to him, and his eyes are filled with anger however at this point you yourself are filled with rage that might get you beheaded for regicide “ If I listened?” you say with a mocking tone “Y/n!” Eren warns as he moves closer and is now starring you down. You look up and try not to feel intimidated by him “So, this is what you think of me? Some stupid breeding cow that doesn’t have a mind of her own?” Eren’s look softens a tiny bit “No, that’s not what I think of you, you are my wife!” You cut him off “That’s exactly what you think of me! I might be your wife by the law but I don’t know if I am in your heart” You whisper the last part. “A husband is honest with his wife! You on the other hand locked me away from the outside world without a single explanation of why. I feel like a bird in a cage, a bird with no freedom.” Eren look completely softens as guilt is starting to eat him from the inside. He was busy trying to protect you from any harm that he didn’t realise that he was the one causing you harm and, more importantly, breaking the vow he made to you in your wedding. My requests are honesty and love in this marriage he hears you echo in his head.

His thought process is cut “Eren, what am I to you?” He is taken back. He looks you in the eyes which causes his heart to twist, as tears are running down your beautiful skin. Your body is shaking He is stunned, he doesn’t know how to respond but he knows what he wants to do. All he can think about is his wanting to destroy whatever made you cry even knowing well that he is the one causing you this heartache. “What am I to you?! I need to know now! I moved away from home for you! I am giving you my youth, my life, my devotion! While you can’t even give me a simple answer!” You cry. His silence scares you, what if it was true? Maybe you were just some tool to continue the Jeager bloodline, maybe he just saw you as something that low. However, you are stunned by his next action, his strong arms encircle you, enveloping you in a sense of security and familiarity. You feel the warmth of his body against yours, the steady beat of his heart echoing in your ear. Slowly, your muscles relax, You can feel the tension melting away, replaced by a bittersweet mixture of relief and vulnerability. “You are no breeding cow Y/n. I cannot put into words how happy you have made me in the short timespan we’ve been together. You are the spring sun to my dark winter days, when I see you my dark world light up. You are my light, my anchor and my pride. I see myself falling for you deeper and deeper every single day. I might be crazy but I believe, no I know that I love you. Everything I’m doing now is trying to protect you and our potential future child.” You are left speechless and the sound of your sniffing is filling the room as you try your hardest not to cry. Eren loves you! You feel like the luckiest woman in the world “I-I love you too and I understand, but you need to communicate with me. Tell me the truth Eren, why don’t you allow me outside the palace?” Eren grabs your hand while sitting down on the soft brown bear carpet on the floor in front of the crackling firepit. You follow him and sit down with him. Eren holds your hand looking you in the eyes “It started four years ago”

Fifteen-year-old Eren got dressed for the family’s Jaeger’s annual family day. He was excited to join his parents on the royal boat around the Kingdom, starting from Stochess and ending at Shiganshina. It started with only his father and mother to show the kingdom their presence and gratitude towards the hardworking Eldian people. “Thank you,” he says to the elder maid that finalized his military medals which he was proud to showcase to the people of Eldia. The young boy storms off once the maid finishes to greet his mother. He runs out to the Queen's garden where he sees his mother her flowing black hair cascading down her back, captures his attention. It shines like a raven's feathers, contrasting beautifully against her tan skin. But what truly captivates him are her golden eyes, glowing with a gentle radiance that reflects her inner kindness and wisdom. He runs over to her while she is deeply focused on reading her favourite love poetries. Eren sneaks onto her and tries to scare her but she giggles. “I believe your father is waiting for us near the boat,” She says getting up and the two of them start walking towards the boat. Carla stops for a brief second “Eren, honey” Eren is staring confused at his mother “Yes?” Carla turns to her son “You look a bit pale, have you eaten breakfast?” Eren only responds with a couple of nods. “Are you sure? Your ears are turning red” The Queen grabs his left ear which causes annoyance and embarrassment for the young Prince. Carla on the other hand shakes her head at her son's silliness “We can have brunch in the garden after the trip and you can tell me about your adventures with the Scouts” A wide grin is painted on his face as he and his mother lock pinky fingers as a promise. The two of them reach the boat where his father is seated with Kenny the current head of the Ackerman clan and the Uncle of Levi and Mikasa. Kenny reaches out a hand to help the Queen get on the boat while Eren jumps on it excitedly. “Careful, son” The King smiles. Eren looked up to his father, he was the king Eren aspired to be one day, strong, selfless and loved by everyone around him. Eren smiles with excitement as they set off, he sat next to his mother while his father was seated in front of them with Kenny helping navigate the boat at the back.

The people are waving and throwing flowers at the royal family. The leaders of the communities would hand Kenny over letters with the demands and issues of the communities he then would give to the King. Everything seemed fine until Kenny stands up and holds his two guns. Eren’s eyes widen in shock “What’s wrong Kenny?” Knowing about the Ackermans and their instincts Eren understood that something must be wrong. In a flash of light, he sees blood on the side of his shirt, his mother has been struck by three arrows on the stomach. “Mom!” He shouts ripping the arrows out of her in panic. He then rips the fabric of his pants trying to stop the bleeding. Screaming and chaos emerged among the people while the Garrison guards are assembling to try and find the assassin. “Throw us come shields” Kenny shouts while trying to help Eren stop Carla´s bleeding. “C-Carla” Grisha says in shock before another arrow comes and hits the King on the throat. Kenny´s eyes widen in shock as the King is choking on his own blood and his vibrant green eyes turn dull. “Shit, how haven’t the Garrsson found the assassins yet? Kenny turns to the King to feel his pulse. Horror was written all over Eren’s face “Please be alive, please be alive” he prays. However, Kenny’s facial expression said something else. Tears are streaming down Eren’s face as he realised that his father is gone. “Kenny…Kenny” Both men turn their heads to the Queen’s whispers. “Please take Eren and run.” Eren’s face is in disbelief his mother could not really think that he would ever abandon her. “No, we are not going without you. We made a promise to get back home together and have brunch remember! I’m going nowhere without you!” Eren shouts “Your majesty, you know the royal protocols, we cannot leave the boat without confirmation from the Garrisons that it’s safe.” Kenny adds shaking his head.

All of a sudden Kenny’s eyes widen and he tackles Eren to the ground covering him. Several arrows rain down from the sky hitting the Ackerman on his back. Eren opens his eyes seeing arrows everywhere and Kenny with blood coming out of his mouth. “Hey…brat…You must survive…I would die in shame knowing that the nation my ancestors fought to protect…would fall into the hands of your bastard brother…or our enemies.” He breathes heavily before passing away. Eren put his fingers on his neck feeling no pulse, tears are flowing down his eyes looking at the bodies of his father and Kenny. He reaches out for his mother's hand for comfort to let her know that he is alive. Her once warm hands were freezing cold causing Eren to scream in pain. His parents are gone, he is all alone in this cruel world. Why them? Why would anyone wish to target his family? Who are the enemies? It doesn’t matter who they were, he promise to wipe everyone out of this world every single one of them. Eren is helped out of the boat by a Garrison soldier named Hannes and is brought back to the Kingdom in one piece physically. When they arrive at the castle they are greeted by several soldiers and lords at the door. “The King is dead, long live the King” they chant while kneeling. Eren feels like vomiting, him? a king? He shakes of the feeling quickly and takes command.

“As you know we just lost Eldia’s two best rulers for centuries. As loved as my parents ar- were I refuse to believe that this was an inside job! I want all soldiers ready! We are at war! I also wish for the funeral to be held first thing tomorrow!” The whole nation mourned for a month and after the mourning period was Eren crowned King. The assassins were caught and it was revealed that they were soldiers from Marley. Marley and Eldia had issues for centuries but King Grisha and King Magath made peace. Near their borders was a conflict between the farmers which caused political instability between the nations all over again. Grisha was supposed to meet up with King Magath a week before his assassination but the Marlian had other plans. His wish was to assassinate the royal family and in mid chaos annexe Eldia. However, his plan failed as Eren didn’t die and took command quite quickly. Eren’s first order as king was to declare war on Marley and their allies. Many were impressed by Eren’s mature handling of the situation however behind that brave face was a mourning boy. Eren would have meltdowns in his bedroom as he felt like the world was eating him slowly. Mikasa was the only one that knew of his meltdowns and tried her best to comfort her friend. However, it could never wash away the feeling of loneliness. That was until he met his sun, you.

Eren’s thoughts are disrupted by you hugging him, he can feel your warm tears on his shoulders. All you can do is hold him and cry, you give him a long kiss on the forehead and all you can whisper is “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry for what you went through” Eren is stunned by your actions and he breaks down while holding you around your waist. The room is just filled with your sniffs and breathing. “Eren, promise me. No more secrets.” You whisper “I promise,” he says melting into your warm embrace.

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#eren jeager x reader #eren jeager x you #eren yeager x black reader #eren yeager x reader #eren yeager x you #eren x you #eren yeager smut #eren jeager x black reader #eren jeager x y/n #eren x reader #eren jeager angst #eren jeager fluff #eren jeager smut #eren yeager angst #eren yeager x y/n #eren yeager fluff

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baztovty · 2 years

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words better left unsaid

first request woo !!

in which reiner believes he has fallen out of love with you, but doesn’t realize he needs you until it’s too late

word count : 1.4k

pairing : reiner x gn!reader

genre : angst

warnings : badly written angst help , intentionally lowercase , use of krista because (spoiler?) they don’t know she’s historia yet

everyone knew that you and reiner were an item, always together and “disgustingly lovey-dovey”, according to a few (ymir and eren). while the relationship came about a bit unexpectedly, the two of you were a surprisingly great match.

your relationship was perfect, really. you, the ever dedicated and hardworking trainee, and reiner, the reliable big brother of the group, both kind and compassionate towards your peers.

for the most part, you were happy. you were always there for him when he needed you, and reiner was always right by your side whenever you faltered.

that is, until he wasn’t.

lately, you’d felt a distance between reiner and yourself. it was barely noticeable at first: small lapses in attention that you waved off as fatigue, less physical affection than before that you excused as yourself overthinking. everything was fine, he was likely just stressed from training and being overworked.

it wasn’t until you noticed his recently sparked interest in a certain blonde that you began to suspect that it wasn’t just training stealing his attention away from you.

reiner would spend more time around krista during breaks, choosing to talk to her over you. of course, you wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. maybe he was just trying to give her tips like the older brother figure he had become?

your hope slowly deflated as he only spent more and more time with her as the days passed. it got to a point that rumors began spreading among the trainees that the two of you experienced a falling-out, which you were only made aware of through ymir. she had picked up on this change as well, opting to throw unwelcome glares at reiner whenever he approached her and krista.

when you and reiner were alone together, he didn’t initiate any form of affection first, not the way he did before krista came into the picture. your conversations were shallow and even then you were the one trying hard to keep them going.

it took you a few weeks to gather the courage to confront him about it yourself one evening. during dinner, you’d asked him to meet with you at your spot–a small clearing in the forest surrounding the camp. by the time you had begun to make your way there, the sun was setting, the noises of the night creatures masking your movements through the foliage.

perhaps that was why reiner and bertholdt didn’t notice your presence at the edge of the clearing. you stopped, wondering why reiner had brought his friend along when it was clear you’d wanted some time alone together to speak. the wind was gentle enough that you could hear their conversation after stepping a bit closer.

“i don’t know how to tell (y/n). i don’t want to hurt them, but things just don’t feel the same anymore.”

reiner’s hushed voice carried to you. what was he talking about? tell you what? while you had also wanted to tell him things were different, your goal was to figure out how to fix the problem so the both of you could move on together, as a couple.

“you can’t keep leading them on, though. everyone’s noticed by now and i’m sure (y/n) has, too. even ymir knows you’re falling for krista.”

bertholdt’s words made your heart drop to your stomach and tears well in your eyes. reiner was.. in love with krista? you knew that they were getting much closer, but you didn’t let yourself consider the possibility that perhaps he was growing tired of you.

suddenly, you felt lightheaded, not even realizing that you’d stopped breathing for a while. you must have stumbled a bit in your daze, because both of their heads snapped towards where you were. you panicked when reiner called out your name, choosing to run back to the camp, away from the man you could hardly bear to look at anymore.

part of you expected him to run after you, begged for him to. you wanted to believe he would still chase you down to explain himself. but, of course, you made it all the way back to your cabin without hearing any footsteps behind you. the door opened easily, and you shut it behind you, far louder than you intended.

your cabin-mates stopped what they were doing to look at you, asking if everything was okay, why you were crying, what you were running from. you shook your head, wanting nothing more than to bury yourself in your sheets and fall asleep.

they seemed to understand and let you be, but not without letting you know they would be there if you wanted to speak about it later. a small smile crept onto your face. at least your friends were still there for you.

it didn’t take you long to fall asleep. you were exhausted from training and crying, and the emotional stress you were under had been taking a huge toll on you mentally. you would deal with everything tomorrow. right now, sleep was what you wanted most.

you felt a little better when you woke up in the morning, and your sadness had largely been replaced with anger. you felt betrayed, how could he keep something like this from you? how could he let you suffer in your own thoughts, unsure of what he wanted or what was wrong?

no more, you thought. it was over. clearly, someone else had reiner’s attention and he didn’t need any from you anymore. maybe it was a little petty, but you’d given him your heart and he tore it right down the middle.

you sat with eren, mikasa, and armin then next morning during breakfast, blatantly ignoring reiner as you walked right past him without so much as a glance. the trio shared a look before welcoming you to their table.

“trouble in paradise?” eren raised his eyebrows at you.

“reiner has made his feelings clear, so i’ve decided it’s better to go our separate ways,” you said, loud enough for reiner to hear from where he sat. you heard ymir mutter a sharp ‘ouch’ under her breath.

armin was the first to respond among the shocked group. “i’m sorry to hear that, (y/n). you’re welcome to stay with us if you’d like, we don’t mind.” the other two nodded their agreement and he gave you a small smile, which you returned with a thanks.

after breakfast, you all spent the majority of your time training with your odm gear like most days. during breaks, reiner would attempt to approach you, but you made a point of completely ignoring him and talking to your friends. you successfully avoided him until the evening, shortly before curfew, when reiner caught up to you on your way to your cabin.

“(y/n), please, let me explain myself.” he grabbed your wrist to stop you from walking away from him. “what you heard yesterday, i swear i wasn’t in my right mind. being unable to talk to you today made me realize that whatever i felt for krista was just infatuation, not love. i love you!”

you sighed, finally looking at him. “if that’s true, and i’m really the only person in your heart, then how do you explain the distance? you barely even looked at me for weeks, and now you expect me to just forgive you and move on? do you even understand how unfair that is?” you scoffed, pulling your arm out of his grasp.

“i’ll make it up to you, i promise. just please, give me another chance,” he pleaded, and the desperation in his voice almost made you consider it. however, your self-respect was not something you could compromise anymore, the last few weeks had made that abundantly clear.

“i’m sorry, reiner. i can’t do that. even if we did try to go back to the way things were, it would never be the same. you know that,” you turned away from him, trying your best to hide the unsteadiness of your voice. “this is for the best, and my decision is final. please don’t bring it up again.”

with that, you began walking back to your sleeping quarters with tears falling down your cheeks. you loved him, you really did, but you had to put yourself first and move on. he didn’t try to stop you as you stepped further and further away from him.

you knew things would be hard from now until the foreseeable future, especially because you couldn’t escape seeing him until you graduated, but you believed in yourself. you would continue working hard toward your goals, even if it was without reiner.

note: ahhhhh i hope that was okay, i know the ending kind of sucks but i’m really bad at figuring out how to close these things ahem anyways !!! i’m not the best at angst because i tend to write things a bit dramatically, but thank you for the request! i hope i lived up to your expectations huhuhu (ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ

#reiner x you #reiner x reader #reiner angst #aot #attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #reiner braun #aot angst #attack on titan angst #aot imagines #aot imagine #ashleen writes #reiner imagine #reiner fluff #reiner smut #aot fluff #aot smut #aot fanfiction

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nectardaddy · 3 months

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Thirteen Years [Porco Galliard x reader] 1

** This story will involve some level of spoilers, please proceed with caution. Also a lot of this story involves adult scenarios (i.e.: war, blood, gore, death, etc...) Despite this, I will try my best to balance out dark themes with more soft, wholesome ones. Please enjoy!

NOTE: this story is on Wattpad as well I AM THE AUTHOR

Prologue Seven years ago

Things were scattered across the wooden floor in a frenzy: cups, plates, cutlery, papers, chairs, all laid on the floor, some pieces broken and cracked. His older sibling tried to stop the boy's rampage; however, you stayed put and watched. Porco's pale knuckles were bloody and bruised from throwing and hitting everything in sight. All the young boy could see at the moment was red. You watched as his older brother finally got hold of him, grabbing him in a hug and not letting go. Porco struggled against it, his fit of rage unending from the yellow armband that should've been red. You couldn't seem to move as you watched the scene in front of you unfold; Porco's thrashing around, eagerly trying to escape his brother's grip, seemed to have no end in sight.

"It's not fair!" He screamed, "Reiner never deserved the Armor and everyone knows it!" The young boy's voice cracked at the end, holding back tears as he continued to yell. Grey eyes locked with yours as he struggled against his brother - the pain was evident. Marcel tried to ease his brother's anger; telling him it was alright, he could live a longer life, and he would still be an honorary Marleyan, but the blonde wouldn't listen. He was so young and full of hope, but it was stripped away from him when he was forced to keep the yellow arm band. Forced to remain a candidate.

"Let him go," you mumbled, catching Marcel's attention. But he ignored you, his brother was still in no state to be released. "I said let him go, Marcel," you spoke firmly. Your words held a certain authority that frightened him, and he hesitantly let his younger brother go. But the blonde's rage wasn't over, his eyes flickered to his brother who took a step back from him. His brother who now had a red armband, just like the five other candidates - except him. His pale hands met with his brother's chest and shoved him, Marcel being pushed into the table. Finally, you took a step forward, and another, until you were in front of the younger brother who was staring down the eldest.

You wrapped your arms around the male, embracing him. It wasn't harsh, nor rough, you held him gently, hugging him. You felt the boy's body suddenly tense from your action, he was taken back. But this was the final crack in the dam that held back his tears. He didn't reciprocate your embrace, but he welcomed it as hot tears began to roll down his cheeks. A small sob racked his body before he leaned his head on your shoulder, the sleeve of your shirt becoming damp. You held him a bit tighter as he cried, he had never shown this amount of emotion in front of you, or anyone, before. You stayed silent, as did his brother, and let the boy cry out his pent up emotions. "I have to spend the next thirteen years alone. . ." he cried.

His words made you pull away, the suddenness of it taking him by surprise. His eyes were red and his cheeks wet with tears as he looked at you. "You have me," you spoke quietly, "just because I wasn't a candidate doesn't make me any less of your friend. I'll still be here."

1 Present Day

The red armband he wore was in stark contrast to your own gray one as you walked side by side. The street was dirty and unkept, having to step over litter every now and then. The buildings you passed were the same, they were old and run down. The internment zone was nothing like the outside; however, you couldn't remember how beautiful the outside was. The only time you saw the world beyond the gates was at six years old; the Warrior program allowed Eldian children the chance of inheriting the power of the Titans - you however did not make the cut. Long days of running, fighting, and training resulted only in returning back home, not a candidate and not an honorary Marleyan.

But the young man beside you was different in all regard, he was a Warrior, an honorary Marleyan, he held the power of the Jaw Titan. You held nothing at all, only the misery of forever being second-class. But the male beside you felt nothing but grief, despite getting what he had always wanted. The death of his brother made him realize just how cruel the world was, and he dreaded the day that he had to see the memories of the girl before him devour his older sibling.

"I'm glad they're giving you a small break from training, I never really see you anymore," you stated and he was pulled from his thoughts. Your statement held truth, he rarely saw his friends and family in the internment zone. He was constantly surrounded by Marleyan soldiers or the other Warriors as he trained, learning to make the power of the Jaw his own. He no longer had the luxury of fooling around like he used to. He no longer had the time to be in your company, something he learned to enjoy over the years before.

"It's good to see you again, (Y/n)," his words were soft in contrast to his appearance. The male held a standoffish aura around him, his face blank, and his hands in his pockets. "How long has it been, exactly?" He asked, his grey eyes now flicking to you.

"Around two months," your quick reply took him by surprise. He turned his gaze to the path in front of him, leading no where in particular. He let a hum pass his lips as he kept walking. He didn't know it had been that long. He trained every day and rarely ever could tell what day it was anymore, he truly didn't now that many days had passed. He knew you missed him, a part of him missed you as well. You were the only one capable of sticking around all these years, and he had grown accustomed to seeing you regularly.

The time spent apart wore on him, even though it was a short time, so much had happened within the two months. He didn't know what to say, what to talk about, or how to act. Thoughts that were drilled into him him from the brass overwhelmed the thoughts of small talk and friendship. "How are you doing?" His words didn't hold the same confidence as before, he felt like a stranger to you.

"I could ask the same to you, Pock," you sighed. His nickname brought back memories he had forgotten, or placed in the back of his mind. The flood of memories played out in his mind and he stayed silent, letting his thoughts run wild. You had first heard the nickname from Marcel, hearing him tease his brother until the name slipped. You copied Marcel, earning a glare and a curt "shut up," from Porco. From then on the name stuck with you.

"I'm just tired," he spoke and kicked a small rock in front of him. Despite the truth in his statement, fatigue wasn't the only thing troubling him. He felt lost. He didn't quite grasp how to separate his "job" from his home, something his fellow Warriors seemed to understand. The drastic change in lifestyle was something he hadn't settled with; training as a candidate was much different than training as a Titan. As a candidate, he had more time at home - especially in the years of not being selected - but now he barely saw his home. He'd come home late, or not at all, then be up again in the early hours of the morning. He had forgotten how to relax.

"So much has happened in such a short time, I'm just trying to keep up," he admitted. "This is a well needed break." He sighed at his own words, he hoped to feel one with himself again after the few days he had off.

"A well deserved break as well," you added. "You look exhausted," you commented on his state. His eyes were dark and tired, his hair wasn't as pristine as usual, and his uniform looked slightly disheveled. He didn't look as put together as usual and it worried you. "They're working you too hard."

"You might be right, but they have every reason to. There are rumors of going to war with the Mid-East Alliance, and we can't afford to be down another Titan, we've already lost two." The young man was no longer as cheerful as he once was, though he never had a bubbly personality, he was able to find joy in things but now that seemed to be forgotten. The rumors of war terrified you, you were at the age to be selected to fight - Eldians were more than expendable and the Marleyans would use every last one if they had to.

Although the idea scared you, you pushed it to the back of your mind, "try not to think about that right now. It'll only wear on you more, just try to make the most of your time off." You spoke with a soft smile and looked over to him, trying to ease the war inside of him. "Since you finally have the time, we should look at the stars like we did when we were kids. Try not to lose the ladder this time though," you joked, bringing up past memories.

The memory made his lips pull into a small smile. He and his brother would climb to the roof of their small house every night to look at the stars; Marcel was the one who taught him the constellations. You soon joined their nightly ritual, Marcel inviting you; imagining you climbing up the ladder to the roof every night without fail made him happy. The memory you had spoken of would make him laugh if he were by himself, his own idiocy getting the best of him.

It was late at night and you all had decided to get some rest. Porco decided he would go down first, not yet learning the importance of patience with his peers. His foot slipped on the top rung and he pulled himself back onto the roof before the ladder clattered the ground.

"What was that? Did you get scared, Pock?" His brother teased, seeing his younger brother's wide eyes. The eldest walked over to the edge of the roof where the youngest was and looked down, "Porco! You didn't!" He yelled as he looked down at the ladder that now rested on the ground.

"Shut up Marcel! I didn't mean to!" He yelled back. The yelling peaked your interest and you joined the boys on the edge and looked down. You couldn't help but laugh at the situation, even if it meant you were stuck. "Stop laughing! It's not funny, you idiot!"

But you didn't, his outburst only made you giggle more. "I thought you'd both be smarter than this, being Warrior candidates and all." You commented, earning a huff from the brothers. "Someone can pick it up in the morning. It's warm tonight, we won't die up here or anything."

"You will never let go of that will you?" He asked rhetorically, already knowing the answer. "Hell, I might do it again for old times sake," he spoke with a smile. This was what he missed in the two months of training: talking to you and joking around. He felt like this was the rhythm he was supposed to be in, but he was still a few beats off.

You chuckled, "I don't think people will be as willing to help. When we were kids it was endearing and cute, but we're older now, they might just think we're out right stupid." You looked over to him and sighed silently; this was the Porco you earnestly wished to see again. You missed the sentimental young man, not the one you were met with before. The one you met today was cold and beaten, tired and bruised; it made your heart ache. You were glad to see a piece of himself was still there under the rough exterior.

"Especially if Zeke is the one the get the ladder again," he groaned.

The three of you grabbed onto the edge of the roof and leaned over just enough to peer down. It was the early hours of the morning, and the only ones awake would be those in the Warrior program. You patiently waited for the young Yaeger boy to turn the corner and appear on the path that the Galliard family lived on. Zeke took the path every day to join with both Galliard brothers in the morning on the walk to the gate; today was no different.

"There he is!" You yelled and pointed to the blonde with glasses who had turned the corner.

"Well it took you long enough didn't it!" Porco yelled to the young boy on the ground. Confusion was written on the boy's face as he looked around to see where the voice came from, but was met with no one on the ground. "Up here!" The glasses clad male finally looked up and cocked his head, seeing all three of you on the roof. He looked back down to see the ladder on the ground and finally pieced together why his comrades were up there. The young man burst into a fit of laughter upon looking back up.

"Please! Please tell me you're stuck!" In between laughs, "this is too good, I'm telling everyone about this!"

"Can you please just prop the ladder up Zeke? We don't want to be late," the eldest brother explained. In contrast, Porco sat with his arms crossed and huffed at the laughter from below.

"Who got you stuck?" He asked, now holding his stomach from giggling and laughing. "Wait, wait! Lemme' guess! It was definitely Pock, wasn't it?"

"Don't call me that, halfwit! Get the damn ladder so we can go!" Porco yelled.

His outburst only made Zeke laugh harder, "what's the magic word, Galliard?"

"The magic word is get the ladder before I break your arm!"

You laughed at the memory, "then let's not drop the ladder this time then." Your laughter slowly stopped before you looked to him. "I'll see you tonight then on the roof?" You asked, hoping to get the answer you wanted. You wanted to see him more, to speak with him, to spend time with him again. You couldn't quite understand it, but you wanted to be in his presence. Unbeknownst to you, he felt similarly. A part of him couldn't let the thought of you go, you were always there in the back of his mind.

"Yeah, I'll see you then," he agreed. He needed the familiarity again, his life changed so suddenly and all he wanted around him where things he knew well and could understand. You were one of them. Other than his parents, you were the one that felt most like home. Not a Warrior, not a candidate, you were simply Eldian - what he needed.

#porco galliard #aot porco #aot #attack on titan #porco x reader #snk #shingeki no kyojin

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erudianokabe · 4 months

Note

random ask time! bc phew i haven't sent random asks to my mutuals in wayyy too long - gotta reclaim my brand. if marcel, reiner, eren, had phones, what are 5 images we'd find in their camera roll? 👀

Okay, this one has been in my inbox for quite some time, and I think I do owe an apology for taking so long. I think this is an interesting question especially since their personalities change up quite a bit depending on when we're looking at their phones.

Let me start it off with Marcel.

For Marcel, I wouldn't be surprised if he had baby photos of Porco in there. But I think the five things you'd find in his camera roll would be:

Selfies of him and Porco

A photo of his fellow Warrior Candidates

A step-by-step instruction of something that he knows Porco has trouble with

A scenery that he'd like to share with his brother

A photo of the harbor when they departed from Marley

For Eren, during his scout years, I think that he'd have a few blury stolen shots of Mikasa in there. But he would have it in his delete history and before the thirty days are up, he'll restore it again and delete is again just so no one sees them on his phone. Otherwise, I think he'd have the following on his camera roll:

A photo of the Scouting Legion

A selfie of him, Armin, and Mikasa

A photo of the 104th Battalion

A selfie of Hange and him when he's transformed into the Attack Titan (as snapped by Hange)

A photo of a very VERY clean window pane to put Levi at ease

In his days in Marley, Eren's camera roll would have:

The hospital in Liberio

Different locations around Marley

A photo of Marleyan higher ups (as passed by Zeke)

Blueprints of Liberio (as passed by Zeke)

A stolen photo of Mikasa eating ice cream

Now for Reiner, let's be real that in his camera roll as a scout, he'd probably have a number of stolen shots of Krista. A literal shutter bug if he can find the right time to take it. Some of them has Ymir's hand blocking the view. But otherwise:

A selfie of him, Bertholdt, and Annie who is cut off because she walked out of frame

A stolen picture of Krista when she helps out at the local hospice

A photo of the 104th Battalion

A photo of maps and routes taken by the Scouts

A photo of his mother

Now, when it comes to Reiner going back in Marley, it's a bit more simple. But these are the things that are closest to his heart:

A picture of his mother

A picture of Gabi

A photo of the new Warrior Candidates

Stolen shots of the remaining Warriors

A selfie of him, Bertholdt, and Annie who is cut off because she walked out of frame

#devoteyrheart #◤ .Converging Paths. ◥ Answered #◤ .Field Tests & Experiments. ◥ Character Study #◤ .The Basemenet. ◥ Metas & Headcanons #‖▤ Marcel Galliard ◈ The Jaw #‖▤ Eren Yeager ◈ The Rumbling #‖▤ Reiner Braun ◈ The Armour #marcel galliard #eren yeager #reiner braun

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lostgirlsinofgluttony · 2 years

Text

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐫𝐨 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮

𝕆𝕜𝕒𝕪 𝕤𝕠 𝕀 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕕𝕠 ℝ𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕤 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕡 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣. 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕕𝕕 𝕒 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕥 𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕐𝕒𝕟 𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕡 𝕓𝕣𝕠 ℝ𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕐𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕥.

𝒩𝑜𝓉 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑒𝓉! 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝐼𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑖𝑡!! 𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 3 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑛𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠:𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧,𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭,𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞,𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫,𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞

So imagine this your a freshman in high school and your dad marries a woman and you get a new step brother. Who’s a senior at your new school. All is fine at first but him and his best friend bertholdt start acting very creepy. Like for example you have caught bertholdt riffling threw your stuff. You bring your concerns to Reiner he just writes it off as bertholdt trying to find his charger he left in your room. Or another time you had woken up late in the night and felt two pairs of arms wrapped around you. It was Reiner but he just says it’s because he loves his little sister. Him and Bert are so good at manipulating you. One day you wanted to go to a party but Reiner refused so he left bertholdt to baby sit you dispute you not being that much younger. But no, you were too innocent for party’s. You two are on the couch watching Tv. Wearing your pjs while he’s in a shirt in sweats you can see he’s quite attractive now you get a good look at him much like Reiner they were good looking. His dark ebony hair with striking green eyes. He was tall and muscular but not as muscular as Reiner but he certainly wasn’t as skinny as Armin. Half way through the movie you picked out (it was 1996 fear with mark walberg😩) you felt a hand on your thigh “ugh ber-“ he cuts you off mid sentence “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘/𝐍 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥” he continues rubbing up and down your upper leg. He stares with a empty look in his eyes you were frozen with fear. Usually he was so nervous and sweaty but all that seem to disappear like he was someone else. “𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫.” You slap his hand away. You get up to leave the house. “𝐘/𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.” He demands he really didn’t want to have to force you to make love with him. But he was gonna show you who you belonged to. 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. He couldn’t stand the way you looked at Marco or Armin he had to put his foot down. You charged to the front door dead set on going to a friends house tonight. Before you can even grab the knob a pair of long muscular arms wrap around you. You kicked and scream as he tossed you over his shoulder and trudges up the stairs into your room. He then proceeds to toss you on the bed. He scolds you as he grips your wrists down on the bed you started to feel stinging pain. “Ow bertholdt th-at hurts…” I cry out his grip loosens “𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 this 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐭 me 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬”

#yancore #yandere blog #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #yandere bertholdt #yandere reiner #yandere aot #yandere boy #yandere annie #tw yandere #aot modern au #aot x y/n #eren aot #armin aot

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daisynik7 · 1 year

Text

Rush

Epilogue

Pairing: Eren Jaeger x f!reader

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: ~9.5k

cw: mentions of explicit sex, attempted sexual violence that may be triggering (does not go far and is not committed by Eren)

Summary: New year, new beginnings, old flames.

Notes: I hope you enjoy this Epilogue, it’s a long one! I included a word count this time, for your reference. Please read the End Notes at the bottom of the chapter for my sincerest thanks.

Previous Chapter | ao3

Rush Series Masterlist

----------

After a well-deserved holiday break, you’re back at University of Paradis to start your spring semester. Along with your new and more rigorous curriculum, your obligations to your sorority escalate. No longer a pledge and a now a fully-fledged sister, you take a more active role in your organization by trying to recruit potential members. Spring rush begins two weeks into the new year for women and men interested in Greek life. Because of the partnership with Alpha Tau, Sigma Nu Kappa miraculously sees an increase in their numbers. By the end of the month, you welcome an exciting group of new sisters, ready to dive into the mysterious allure of sorority life.

Alpha Tau, back in its good graces, continues to excel during recruitment, despite losing a few members the previous semester. Reiner was expelled shortly after Eren. Apparently he threw a hissy fit in front of Erwin and Levi, who confronted him about his disrespectful behavior. Bertolt, being the obedient devotee he is, actually quit following his best friend’s expulsion. Rumor has it they’ve been “adopted” as unofficial brothers into another frat, the one where their friends Porco and Marcel are in.

The first few months of the new year are ordinary, for the most part. The only major difference is that Eren Jaeger has become a regular part of your daily life.

Following the end of your intimate relationship with him and his expulsion from Alpha Tau, Eren quickly got his act together. He focused on his studies more, spending hours in the library next to Armin, buried in his textbooks or typing away at a paper. You didn’t see him much during those last few weeks, only in passing, walking alongside his best friend. Cordial waves from a distance were always exchanged. Even from afar, it was difficult to ignore the twinkle in his eyes or the goofy grin whenever he saw you.

It's not until this new year that Eren makes his official return into your life.

The golden trio of Eren, Armin, and Mikasa are in tandem again, hanging out constantly as if their temporary setback never occurred. You’re included in the mix now, being Mikasa’s closest friend, roommate, and sorority sister. Jean occasionally joins if he isn’t busy with soccer team business. You and Eren acknowledge one another as acquaintances do. A smile, a wave, a glance here and there. Nothing more. Careful not to overstep any boundaries. There’s no tension between you two; rather there’s remnants of a barely lit flame still present from your previous relationship. It’s unpredictable when it will ever fizzle out.

You share meals together, surrounded by your friends, never alone. You have conversations as a group, not with each other. The most you’ll say is a hello or hi, along with a lingering look. There’s an unspoken agreement there; he won’t cross any lines until you’re ready to. At this rate, you’re taking baby steps to get to that point. You want to take your time with him.

Despite keeping your metaphorical distance, you find yourself learning more each day you spend with him. His interests, his pet peeves, his little quirks that you secretly find charming. Over dinner one night, you discover that Eren has a sweet tooth, finishing two different slices of cake in one sitting without a single crumb or smattering of frosting left on his plate. Another night, Mikasa teases him about being a mama’s boy, which he shamelessly agrees with.

“She’s the most important woman in my life,” he says proudly to Mikasa. “Besides you and – ”

He cuts himself off, not finishing his statement. For a split second, his eyes quickly dart towards you, cheeks blushed with a rosy tinge. Maybe it’s your imagination.

They reminisce about their past often, having spent their entire childhoods together. Through passing comments, you learn that Eren has always cared deeply for his friends. As a child, he was the first to throw a punch whenever Armin was harassed by the neighborhood bullies. The only kid on the block who would defend Mikasa from perverted old men eyeing her on the street. Even protecting his mom from being mugged several times on simple trips to the grocery store.

You’re beginning to see for yourself what Mikasa told you last semester. I wish you could have met him before all of this. You would see how great of a person he can be. There’s a reason his friends have stuck by him through thick and thin. They’ve put their trust and faith in him because of the lengths he’s gone for them. You wonder if you’ll ever be able to get to that point with him. A tiny part of you hopes so.

You learn that Armin and Eren share a fascination for traveling. During a study session in the library, they huddle during their breaks to read a couple different travel magazines they purchased at the café. Eren takes great care to highlight and place post-it notes on pages he finds particularly interesting. A few times, he glances over at you, catching your gaze on him. The moment dissipates as quickly as it appears, a fading ember in heavy rain. Something’s there, both of you too hesitant and shy to nurture it.

In the blink of an eye, March arrives. The flower gardens scattered throughout campus are in full bloom. Displays of different colored flora along every pathway illuminate your daily walks to class. The melancholy that winter naturally emanates has finally passed. Life is good.

It’s this month that your relationship with him changes. It’s small, but definitely noticeable.

~~~

In the middle of March, the weekend preceding midterms, the four of them gather in a study room. Mikasa and Armin review biology flashcards, she’s finishing up a permitted cheat sheet for one of her courses, and Eren focuses on writing an essay for his sociology class. After typing his last thought, he closes his laptop and leans back in his chair, sighing.

Mikasa sets down her flashcards. “Let’s take a break.” She reaches into her bag and fetches a bag of chips, setting it in the middle to share.

“Speaking of a break, what is everyone doing for spring break? It’s coming up,” Armin reminds them.

“Jean invited me to stay with his family. We might go camping,” Mikasa replies.

“That sounds fun! Grandpa will probably want to go fishing, so I’ll be doing that,” Armin says. “Eren, what do the Jaegers have planned this year?”

He grabs a handful of chips as he answers, “We’ll be at the beach house. I can’t believe Mikasa will be missing my birthday just because she has a boyfriend now,” he teases her, smirking.

She rolls her eyes. “A week away from Zeke bragging about med school and taking over your dad’s practice? Oh yeah, poor me,” she responds sarcastically, returning his playful grin.

“When is your birthday?”

He’s startled to hear her voice. To hear her direct a question at him. It’s an invitation to engage in a real conversation, which flusters and thrills him.

He faces her, hoping his cheeks aren’t flushed. “March 30th.”

“Must be nice having it during spring break. I’m sure you’ll have fun.”

He gulps loudly, excited to continue talking to her. “Yeah, it is nice. What are…what are your plans?” Mikasa and Armin stare at them as if they’re watching a slow-moving tennis match, heads turning towards whoever is speaking, holding their breaths.

She shrugs, reaching for the snacks. “Probably just stay home and do some spring cleaning. My family doesn’t really go on vacations.”

There’s a rush of ideas bombarding him, the most obvious being the temptation to invite her. It’s insane. But the thought of spending spring break together is a dream. It’s been over three months since they ended their previous relationship. Over three months of secretly pining for her, waiting for whatever chance he can get to be a little bit closer.

It’s on the tip of his tongue. What’s the worst that could happen if he let it slip? Rejection? Bruised ego? Extreme embarrassment? That’s nothing compared to heartache, and he’s already experienced that. He has nothing to lose.

Still, he has to put her first. He wouldn’t want to do or say anything to make her uncomfortable. That’s why it’s taken this long for them to have a legitimate conversation with each other, outside of their usual greetings. He wasn’t sure if she wanted to speak to him, especially after all that happened.

Mikasa intervenes. “Annie doesn’t live too far from you. I’m sure you two can see each other if you’re bored.”

“Oh yeah! She mentioned wanting to try a new restaurant near where I live, so we’ll probably do that.”

Eren comes to his senses, mentally calming himself down from his sudden excitement. He can’t invite her to the beach house with him. That’s crazy. Outrageous. Definitely a bad idea. Baby steps, he reminds himself. Baby steps. “That should be fun. I hope you have a nice break.”

“Thank you. You too.”

They gaze at each other for what seems like a full minute; in reality, it’s a few seconds. There’s electricity, even if it is a slightly dulled. It could be wishful thinking on his end, but these are the tiny interactions he’s learned to cherish these past few months. He’ll take whatever he can get; a warm glance, courteous wave, her signature bright smile that instantly lifts his mood. He won’t take any of it for granted anymore.

Armin clears his throat. “Anyways, it sounds like we’re all going to have a nice vacation.”

His friends engage her in idle chit chat about Greek life, leaving Eren alone in his thoughts. Another layer in their complicated relationship has been peeled away. There’s a long way to go, but it’s progress. It gives him hope.

He treasures these moments. This, along with the little details he’s learned about her so far. What she likes, what annoys her, those adorable habits she has. They spent so much time indulging in sex last fall that they didn’t get to know each other properly. He enjoys exploring her mind and soul just as much as her body; maybe more if that’s even possible.

Their passionate nights reappear in Eren’s head every now and again. Probably more than he’ll ever admit. Out of respect, he tries his best not to think of her in that way anymore. Though when he’s alone in the deepest confines of his psyche, he can’t help letting his hands wander, wishing more than anything it’s her in bed with him. He allows himself this occasional weakness for the sake of his sanity.

Tonight, he lets himself succumb to it, more so than ever these past three months. She actually spoke to him, and she was the one to initiate it. It’s glorious, and hours later, he’s still high from it. Why is he so desperate? As Eren slides his boxers off to stroke his hard cock, body hidden beneath the blankets in case Armin returns any minute, he ignores the guilt and lets his desires overtake him.

He fantasizes about a scenario where she does spend spring break with him and his family. They would drive to the beach house, top down in a rented convertible, wind blowing through their hair. Fingers entwined, resting on the center console, natural for two people in love.

At the beach house, Eren would make proper introductions to his parents. His mom would be ecstatic to see her son with a woman, especially one as beautiful as her. Zeke, his half-brother, would arrive later for dinner, cocky as usual during table conversation. Probably flirtatious with her, attempting to push his little brother’s buttons. This wouldn’t bother Eren, because at the end of the night, it’s him who bends her over at the edge of the bed, pleasuring her until they’re both spent. Cuddling and falling asleep in each other’s arms, in total bliss.

She’d make the best impressions on his parents, helping his mom in the kitchen, offering to help his dad fix a few loose boards on the deck. Pretending to be intrigued by Zeke’s insufferable stories of med school. They’d relax by the ocean every day, basking in the pleasant heat from the sun. At night, they’d make love, indulging in each other’s warm bodies. Her silky moans music to his ears as she wraps her legs around his waist, wanting to feel him deeper. Her moans turn into whines, indicating he’s hitting that sweet spot. He thrusts into her faster, wanting her to gush all over him, thumb brushing against her puffy clit that he licked and sucked earlier when she rode his face. She’s so close, desperate to have her precious cunt filled with his hot load…

His cock twitches in his fist, cum dribbling onto his bare abdomen. He opens his eyes and he’s in his bedroom, hidden beneath his covers. There’s a box of tissues at his bedside, conveniently. He wipes any evidence and tosses it into the trash, thankful that Armin takes unusually long showers.

After a few minutes of lying in bed, he buries his face into his pillow, groaning. He hates when that post-nut clarity hits. It brings him shame, guilty for using her as a way to get himself off. He didn’t even recall a past scenario this time; he invented a new one.

He answers the question he asked himself earlier: Why is he so desperate?

He’s in love with her. That’s why.

~~~

The rest of the semester passes without any major issues. The frequency in which you converse with Eren increases at a steady rate. He cracks jokes here and there, nothing vulgar or inappropriate. The conversations are never too deep, enough to scratch the surface and uncover a valuable cache of knowledge about each other. It’s surprisingly easy talking to him; you’re building up to being more than acquaintances with an intricate past.

With finals around the corner, you find yourself once again in a study room with Mikasa, Armin, and Eren. Mikasa and Armin group in front of a whiteboard, reviewing diagrams and terminology for their biology class. Eren is writing yet another sociology research paper. And you’re in the middle of a practice test for one of your courses.

Eren closes his laptop, raising his arms up in a stretch. “Anybody want anything from the café?”

Mikasa and Armin, too focused on their discussion, wave him off. He turns to you, offering, “Do you want anything?”

Distracted by a question that you’re desperately trying to solve, you mumble a name of a drink, your usual. A few minutes later, you come up with the solution and finally relax. It’s only now that you realize you only gave him half the details of what you wanted. Thinking it’s too late to specify any of it, you let it be, not wanting to be a bother.

When he returns, he sets his drink next to his laptop. Probably a black coffee, his typical order. He hands you yours, which seems normal.

“Thank you,” you tell him. “Let me know how much I owe you.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. It’s on me. I hope I got your drink right.”

Certain that he didn’t, by no fault of his own, you examine the sticker on the cup listing the precise details. To your surprise, it’s perfect. From the amount of ice, type of milk, even the extra pump of the particular sweetener you like.

Impressed, you exclaim, “It’s exactly how I order it! How’d you know?”

He rubs the nape of his neck, blushing. “You get it so much, I guess it stuck with me.”

You beam at him, flattered that he memorized your relatively complicated order. He thought it was important to remember. It makes you feel special. With a sip of the drink, you take a deep breath, exhaling happily. “It’s absolutely perfect. Thank you.”

Cheeks still pink, he responds, “It’s really nothing.”

There it is again. That spark. A blaze that burns just barely, enough to provide light and warmth in a dim, dark place. It’s amazing how something so simple, so seemingly insignificant, can do that. You do your best to suppress these emotions, knowing all too well that there’s a long way to go when it comes to you and Eren. That doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the progress.

The next few hours continue, the four of you concentrated on your own studies. When the sun sets, you gather your belongings and head to the dining hall to eat.

The topic of summer vacation comes up. Mikasa is already aware of your plans, but you decide to announce it to Armin and Eren.

“I’ll be staying on-campus. I’m required to complete one summer session for my major so that I can graduate on time.”

Armin says, “Really? Eren, aren’t you doing a summer session as well?”

This is brand new information. Mikasa also seems surprised by this. “You’re going to be here for the summer too?”

Eren nods, eyes focused down at his plate. “Yeah, I talked with Pyxis this week and he suggested that I do one to get in some extra classes. Told me it’s better for my resume when I apply to law school. He was able to pull some strings and get me enrolled last minute; I just found out yesterday.”

Mikasa, who’s sitting next to you, squeezes your knee lightly underneath the table.

“I guess we’ll both be here,” you murmur, unsure how else to react.

“Yeah, I guess we will.” His expression is unreadable. For a split second, though, he smiles.

Later that night, with you and Mikasa ready for bed and snuggled under the covers, she turns to face you. “Are you going to be okay? Being here with Eren for the summer?”

“Of course. It’s not going to change anything. We’ve been okay this whole semester.”

“Yeah, but Armin and I aren’t going to be here. Do you think you’ll want to hang out with him? Alone?”

You shrug. “I don’t know. We haven’t been alone together since…well, you know. I don’t know how awkward that will be.”

“You’ll both be at Reiss. All the students doing summer sessions are housed there.”

“So? What’s your point?”

“Living together in close quarters when nobody else is around to keep the two of you dummies in check? What do you think will happen?”

Rolling your eyes, you indulge her. “Tell me.”

“You’ll fuck! The two of you will start fucking again!”

“Mikasa, that’s not going to happen. First of all, the apartments are big. It’s not like we’ll be next door neighbors. I probably won’t be seeing him much. And second, even if we do run into each other, we’ll say our usual hellos, do some small talk, and that’s it! What do you think we’ve been doing the past few months. Everything is under control.”

“Oh please. Don’t think for a second that the little flirtations you and Eren have been exchanging are going unnoticed,” she reveals.

“What? We don’t flirt!”

“Oh really?” She sits up aggressively, mimicking you from earlier. “Oh Eren, it’s perfect! How did you know?” In a second, she switches to Eren, copying his deep voice, “I don’t know baby. Just stuck with me I guess. Want to touch my abs now?”

You throw a pillow at her, unable to contain your laughter. “Shut up! That’s not what we sounded like!”

“That’s exactly how you sounded,” she teases, tossing it back to you. “It’s obvious he still has feelings for you.”

“I don’t know about that – ”

“And I know you still have feelings for him, too. Neither of you will ever admit it, but we all know.”

Shocked by her accusation, you sputter, “Huh? That’s not…how do you…”

“We’re sisters. Of course I know.”

You remain silent, neither confirming nor denying her suspicions. It wouldn’t matter anyways with how confident she sounds.

“I’m not saying you two shouldn’t reconnect. To be honest, it seems like Eren is back to his normal self, before his whole wannabe fuck boy phase. I want to make sure that you’re ready to take that next step. If that’s what you really want.”

“I don’t know what I want yet. We’re taking it slow. There’s no rush.”

“And that’s great. I don’t doubt that you’ll continue to succeed in that. But I’m sure there will come a time that you’ll be tempted to revisit those intimate moments the two of you share. If you do go through with it, do it because you want to. Not because you’re lonely, desperate, or pressured. Do it because it feels right in your heart.”

You let her advice sink in. She adds, “If you ever need someone to talk to, you know I’m always a phone call away.”

In the dim light, you can see her sincere eyes gazing at you. “Thank you,” you tell her, promising telepathically to heed her words of wisdom.

The discussion ends there, leaving it up to you to decide when the “right time” is. Or if there will ever be a “right time”.

One thing is for sure: this summer is already more interesting because of Eren Jaeger.

At the end of the semester, the seniors graduate in the standard pomp and circumstance ceremony. You exchange tearful goodbyes to your favorite graduates, promising to keep in touch. Hange makes you swear to visit her at Marley School of Medicine, while Petra promises to stop by whenever she’s in the area. The candy leis you, Mikasa, and Sasha spent the previous night crafting are distributed to all the Sigma Nu Kappa seniors, even some Alpha Tau’s, including Levi, Erwin, and of course, Mike. You give him an especially fond smooch on the cheek.

With the school year officially over, most of Paradis’s students pack up and go home. Annie and Hitch agree to stay an extra day to help you move into the on-campus apartments called Reiss Residence, open specifically for students staying for the summer. It takes at least two hours to haul your belongings across campus to your new home. Being on the second floor of the complex with an elevator that operates at a snail’s pace contributes to the difficulty. Once your stuff is inside, you unpack, dragging boxes up the stairs into one of the empty bedrooms. Downstairs is a living room space furnished with a couch and coffee table. There’s also a little kitchen, complete with all the essential appliances to cook. Unfortunately, you don’t have any pots or pans to actually prepare a meal, so you pray that your roommate moves in with those items in her possession.

Exhausted from the move and too lazy to walk over to the dining hall, you call a local pizza shop to get dinner delivered directly to your doorstep, treating your friends for helping you during this tiring process. In the middle of your meal, you hear a knock on your door.

“RA knocking! Anyone in there?” When you open it, a tall, well-built man stands in front of you with a clipboard. “Hi! I’m Onyankopon, your new RA.”

You introduce yourself, smiling as you shake hands.

“Welcome to Reiss. My room is downstairs, #101. Knock anytime you need anything. If I’m not in, feel free to call me.” He gives you a sheet of paper listing general rules and information for the complex. He points at the number typed on the bottom next to his name.

“I see you’re pretty much moved in. I just need to get you checked-in with a date and a signature.” He presents you the clipboard and a pen. You scan it quickly for your name, signing it when you find it. Not bothering to check the rest of the list, you return it to him.

“Awesome, thanks. Has your roommate moved in?”

“No, not yet.”

“That’s okay. I’ll come by tomorrow again to check. Some students are coming in tomorrow, even later this week since classes don’t start until Monday. I’m planning to have a little welcoming party in my room Sunday night to introduce everyone. I’ll post the details on the bulletin next to the laundry room on this floor.”

“Sounds great. Looking forward to it,” you tell him, genuinely excited.

“Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything!” With that, he waves goodbye, leaving to knock on the rest of the doors on your floor.

Back inside, Annie says, “He seems nice.”

“And hot,” Hitch smirks. “Aren’t RAs for these apartments usually grad students? You should try older men for a change,” she teases with a wink.

You roll your eyes. “I don’t think he’ll be interested in an undergrad if he really is a grad student.”

“Hey, you never know unless you try! How hot would that be, sex with the RA? This stuff doesn’t write itself.”

You laugh, half considering her suggestion because she’s not wrong: your new RA is very attractive. However, you’re still taking time to focus on yourself and avoid potential drama. If that means remaining celibate the rest of the summer, then that’s the route you’ll have to continue taking.

“Armin told me that Eren is also going to be here. Is that going to be weird for you?” Annie asks, finishing off her slice of pizza.

“I don’t know. We probably won’t see much of each other unless we literally live right next door, which isn’t going to happen.”

“Think you’ll try to hang out with him one-on-one? I mean, you practically saw each other every day the past few months.”

“That’s different; we’re always with Mikasa and Armin. There’s a buffer.”

“Do you even want to hang out with him? As friends?”

It’s definitely crossed your mind. Mikasa’s words have been replaying constantly the past couple of days. Do it because it feels right in your heart.

You haven’t seen him since the last study session, and the thought of running into him any minute now has you flustered. Is it worry? Or excitement?

“I don’t think I’m there yet,” you respond, remaining ambiguous.

Instead of continuing to pester you, they drop it, changing the subject to Eta Iota gossip going around about one of Hitch’s sisters hooking up with another’s boyfriend. You listen passively, your focus still on Eren.

Given your history, it might be dangerous to be alone together. You’d be lying to yourself if you said your intimate memories with him have never reappeared in your thoughts. They pop up in your head, particularly at night when you need some sort of sweet release.

Hanging out, without Mikasa and Armin there to regulate, is a big step. Will you ever get there with him? Can you ever be friends?

The next morning, you eat breakfast with Hitch and Annie at the cafeteria before they leave for home. Back at your apartment, you notice the door is open, boxes stacked and scattered around the living room. You hear shuffling upstairs and a girl’s voice talking to someone on speaker phone. You knock on the open door loudly to announce your presence.

A girl with light-brown hair in a ponytail comes sprinting down the stairs, smiling. “Roomie!” She launches herself towards you to give you a big hug. “I’m Hannah! Nice to meet you!”

You return her embrace and introduce yourself, making small talk while you help her move her things to her bedroom. Throughout the day, you learn that she is cheerful and easy-going. She mentions her boyfriend Franz, who she warns will be coming over quite often, to which you assure her that you don’t mind.

When she’s unpacked, the two of you walk to the store right off campus to pick up groceries and snacks. That night, you cook your first meal in the kitchen. Luckily, Hannah comes prepared with kitchenware, offering to share it as long as you clean it after use.

Friday, Hannah decides to spend the weekend with Franz once more before the session begins, leaving you alone in the apartment. You sleep in, taking advantage of the few days left of your tiny break.

Around noon, your growling stomach gets you out of bed. In your comfiest sweats, you leave your apartment. For the first time this week, you notice the door next to yours is open. Outside is a middle-aged woman with long black hair in a loose ponytail hanging over her shoulder. There are clothes scattered over the pavement surrounding her as she carries an empty laundry basket. Immediately, you bend down to pick up some of the littered fabric.

“Ah, thank you, dear. I’m such a klutz,” she giggles, squatting to help. “These are clean, don’t worry.”

You chuckle, giving her a pair of sweatpants. The two of your collect the last few items off the ground. “I hope I didn’t take too much time out of your day!” she says.

“Not at all. I was just on my way to get lunch. I’m in no rush. Happy to help.”

“I’m relieved to know my son is living next to someone as sweet as you. Thank you again for all your help.”

Her appreciation for such a simple act is endearing. She seems like such a lovely woman. You smile at her, reiterating how it wasn’t a big deal when you hear someone walk towards you from behind.

You turn to check who it is, almost choking when you recognize that it’s Eren. He blinks rapidly as he stutters your name.

Somehow, some way, the universe has forced you two to be next door neighbors.

Eren’s mom glances at him, then at you. “Oh, you two know each other? How nice! She was helping me pick up your laundry after I dropped it all on the ground.”

He steps towards his mother, grabbing the sides of the basket. “Mom, I told you I’d get that. It’s heavy,” he states, carrying it easily. He glances at you before heading back inside his apartment to set the clothes down.

His mom asks you, “So, you two are friends?”

What is the correct answer here? You’re not quite sure yourself.

Eren quickly replies, “Yes, we’re friends.” He smiles at you, then at his mom.

“Oh good! I don’t have to worry about my son being lonely this summer,” his mom teases, pinching one of his cheeks.

“Mom,” Eren warns, waving her off lovingly. It’s cute.

“Your dad should be here soon; he went to get gas after we unloaded all of your things from the car.”

“That’s nice you’re here to help Eren move. I wish I had a car when I moved. We had to lug everything from across campus,” you explain, laughing.

“Oh you poor thing. Next time, tell Eren to help you. As you can see, he has plenty of muscles,” she comments, squeezing his bicep.

“Mom, seriously,” he mutters, hand shielding his face in embarrassment.

“He’s so shy, isn’t he?” she grins. Eren peeks at you between his fingers, a blush surrounding his cheeks.

His mom’s phone chimes. “Oh! That’s your father, let’s go sweetie.”

You’re ready to part ways when you hear her suggest, “You should come to lunch with us!”

Going to lunch with your former fuck buddy’s parents? And your former fuck buddy turned acquaintance slash friend? This is too weird. “No, I don’t want to intrude.”

“Nonsense. We’re inviting you.”

Expecting him to dissuade his mother, Eren agrees. “Yeah, you should come with us. It’ll be fun.” His expression is warm and inviting. His eyes glisten with kindness. How can you decline an invite from both him and his mother?

“Oh…um, okay. Thank you,” you relent, walking besides them.

“Silly me! I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Carla,” she mentions, holding out her hand. You do the same as the three of you head downstairs. In the parking lot, you spot a maroon Subaru Hatchback running. A man with glasses sits in the driver’s seat.

“Honey, Eren’s friend here is going to join us for lunch!” Carla exclaims.

From inside the vehicle, you see him clap giddily. “Excellent! Hello Eren’s friend!”

Carla informs her husband of your name, to which he enthusiastically repeats. You grin at their quirkiness. From the corner of your eye, you see Eren smiling too.

~~~

Somehow, some way, the universe has blessed Eren.

He can’t comprehend it. He’s sitting in the back of the car next to her, the middle seat being the only distance between them, as his parents drive them to his favorite restaurant in the area. He literally pinches himself several times to believe it’s real.

His mom does most of the chatting during the ride. She asks the standard questions, most of which he’s already memorized about her. At the restaurant, which is a local diner with the best milkshakes, his dad joins in on the small talk. In typical Grisha Jaeger fashion, he brags about Zeke, who’s currently in med school to take over the family business. This naturally prompts him to pat Eren on the back and proclaim, “But I’m also proud of my other son here, who’s going to be a hot-shot lawyer one day! Hopefully he won’t ever be prosecuting me for medical malpractice!”

Aside from his dad’s corny jokes, their lunch is as delightful as Eren could imagine it to be, under their current circumstances. All week, he’s been nervous about the status of their relationship this summer, if there even would be a relationship. Without Armin and Mikasa around, how would it be between them? The question has been nagging him since he decided to stay. And now, it’s been partially answered. Still, he wonders if they’ll ever be able to spend time together, just the two of them.

Back at the apartment, they gather in front of Eren’s room.

“Thank you so much for lunch, Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger,” she says.

“Oh please, the pleasure was all ours! We hope to see you again soon!”

Eren eyes his mom, to which she announces, “Grisha, honey, let’s unpack some of Eren’s stuff in the kitchen.” Before his dad can get a word in, she drags him into the apartment, yelling out, “Sweetheart, it was so nice to finally meet you. Please take good care of yourself!” He nearly flinches at his mom’s slip-up. Thankfully, it goes unnoticed.

At last alone with her, he says, “Thank you for joining us. That was fun. I hope it wasn’t awkward for you or anything.”

“No, it wasn’t. Your parents are really nice. Thanks for letting me tag along.”

“Are you all unpacked?” he asks, eager to keep their exchange going.

“Yeah, for the most part. I don’t have too many things, so it wasn’t so bad.”

“I’m the opposite. My mom made sure I packed everything. I might have to use the spare bedroom for storage.”

Her eyes light up at this statement. “You don’t have a roommate?”

“Nope. It’s just me,” he answers. “My dad is going to help me move the other bed into my room to create a queen-sized bed.”

“That sounds nice.” There’s a small pause before she adds, “Maybe we can hang out at your place. Not on the bed, I’m not thinking that because of the bed, I thought that since you don’t have a roommate, it might be nice to, y’know, watch a movie or something, I don’t know – ”

He stops her rambling with a grin, “I get it. I wasn’t thinking anything about it. But yeah, we should definitely do that. If it’s okay with you.” Calm, cool, collective. He has to appear this way as fireworks are nearly bursting out of his chest.

She nods, not explicitly responding to his last statement. “Anyways, I’ll let you get back to unpacking. I’ll see you around.”

It’s too short. He wishes they could keep chatting forever and ever. “Yeah, see you.”

She disappears into her apartment, leaving Eren to pinch himself one more time before joining his parents inside. In a daze, he removes some pans from the open box next to his mom, who looks at him curiously.

“Honey, Eren and I are going to unpack his clothes in his room. Can you finish the rest of these boxes down here?”

“Yes, dear.”

Upstairs, Eren’s mom shuts the door and begins hanging his jackets in the closet. “So, that’s her.”

There’s no secrets between him and his mom. That’s the type of relationship they have. When he fucked up last semester, he made sure to come clean about it as soon as he was home for winter break. And she made sure to give him a piece of her mind. Since then, she hasn’t stopped.

“I can’t believe you would do that to a sweet girl like her,” she continues, casually unfolding his laundry as she scolds him. “Really, Eren. I am still so disappointed in you.”

“I know, Mom. I know. I fucked up. I beat myself up about it every day.”

“I hope you do. Did you know that she would be next door?”

“Of course not. I knew she was staying at these apartments. I never predicted this. I mean, I jokingly wished for it. I didn’t think it’d actually come true.” He can’t help but smile to himself, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

She glares at him. “Don’t get any ideas, son. You have to keep your distance. She might still be wary about you. I wouldn’t blame her.”

“Yeah, I know. I will. But when I told her I don’t have a roommate, she said that we should hang out. I think she’s ready to be friends.”

She stops what she’s doing to look at him carefully. “Honey, are you sure about this?”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it time to move on? I know you still have feelings for her, but this is dangerous. You don’t know if she’ll ever feel the same way about you again. Maybe this ship has sailed.”

He contemplates this for a while before saying, “Maybe. But if there’s the tiniest chance, then I’m wearing a life vest and swimming. I’m not letting her go. Not yet.”

She stares at him, concerned. “You like her that much?”

With full confidence, he answers, “I’m in love with her. I love her, Mom.” This is the first he’s confessing it out loud. He’s surer of it now hearing it in his own voice.

“Eren, you’re not even dating. You barely know her. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not being ridiculous. I feel it in my heart, in my fucking soul. I can’t stop thinking about her. Everything I do now is for her. To prove to her how worthy of a man I can be, worthy of her love. I won’t give up until the day she looks me in the eyes and tells me that it’s never going to happen. Maybe even then, I won’t give up. I know you probably think I’m being immature or idiotic. But this is how I feel. I can’t help it.”

“Honey, I hear you, and I’m not trying to invalidate your feelings. But are you prepared to get hurt if this doesn’t work out the way you want it to?” There’s urgency in her voice, almost like she’s pleading with him to reconsider this. To give up, for his own sake.

He won’t. This is the most certain he’s ever been in his life.

“If that means I’m going to get hurt, then fine. It’ll be worth it to have felt something than nothing at all.”

~~~

Sunday night, your RA hosts a gathering in his slightly larger apartment on the first floor. Hannah isn’t back from her boyfriend’s, so you arrive alone. You meet a few of the other residents as you help yourself to a slice of pizza and a drink. Onyankopon gathers everyone in a circle to play a little ice-breaker game. Just as he’s about to start, Eren walks in.

“Sorry I’m late,” he mumbles.

“No worries, man! Go ahead and take a spot in the circle.”

You glance at him, waving, which he returns with a smile. He positions himself across from you, next to an auburn-headed guy you sort of recognize from one of the fraternities.

Onyankopon asks everyone in the circle state their name, year, major, organizations they are involved in on campus, and one interesting fact. He starts, explaining how he completed his bachelors at a school private school in Marley and is now working on his masters in aerospace engineering here at Paradis. Each resident clockwise has their turn to speak. When it gets to Eren, he shares that he has a big sweet tooth, which you already knew, and that he has finished an entire chocolate cake all by himself once in his lifetime, which you did not know.

After the event, you bid farewell to your RA and new neighbors. Outside, Eren walks slow, waiting for you. You catch up to him, greeting him with a, “Hey.”

“Hi. Are you ready for classes tomorrow? Feels like we barely had a break.”

“Not sure if I’m ever really ready for classes. Oh well,” you chuckle. “Do you have an early morning class?”

“No. Thankfully my earliest class is at 11, which isn’t bad.”

“That’s the same for me too! It’ll be nice to sleep in once in a while.”

“Yeah, definitely.” There’s a pause. “Maybe we can get breakfast some time. If you’re up for it.”

You remember him being so against sharing a meal together in public not too long ago. And now, he’s offering the idea so easily. You can’t help but tease him just a bit. “You don’t want to get it delivered?”

He stops in his tracks. “Hey, I didn’t…I wasn’t…I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking – ”

You nudge him in the arm with your elbow, laughing. “I’m messing with you. Breakfast sounds good.”

His face relaxes. “I deserve that.”

“Yeah, you do,” you smirk.

It’s different this time around. It has to be.

~~~

The session starts and Eren, for the most part, has a handle on his courses. Without it being as rigorous as a regular semester, he spends a large chunk of his free time going to the gym, cooking in his kitchen, and watching Netflix on his flat-screen TV, courtesy of Dr. Grisha Jaeger.

Though the walls are thin, he barely hears a bump from his lovely neighbor. However, knowing she’s there brings him happiness. Over the past few weeks, they’ve been getting comfortable chatting outside the apartment. Sometimes for a few minutes if either of them is in a rush to another destination, most of the time for nearly half an hour, neither in any rush to end it. He looks forward to stepping outside his apartment every day to get his daily dose of her. An instant serotonin boost.

One Friday night, well into the season, Eren sits on the couch in front of the TV, watching a K-drama he’s hooked on. He finished a bowl of pasta for dinner and is indulging in ice cream when he hears a knock on his door.

He cracks it open cautiously. To his delight, it’s her. “Hi neighbor. Can I hang out here for a bit?”

It takes a while to process. Is he dreaming? He pulls himself together and opens the door for her, inviting her in. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just that my roommate and her boyfriend are having a heated argument right now and I’m almost certain it’s going to lead to some very loud and angry sex. I don’t want to be there to listen to it.” She plops down on the couch. “I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“Not at all. I was just watching TV. Do you want some ice cream?”

“Sure!”

He rummages through his freezer, retrieving a particular carton of ice cream. As he scoops it into a bowl, she comments, “I didn’t expect you to be a fan of K-dramas.” She’s looking at the paused screen on the television, an amused expression on her face.

He passes her the bowl and takes a seat on the opposite side of the couch, an appropriate distance for two ex-lovers to be in. “I recently got into it. I can see why people are so obsessed with them. Especially the romance ones.”

She takes a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. “Yum. This is my favorite. Thank you.”

There’s no point in revealing to her that he knows this already. She mentioned it once during spring semester. He wanted to try it himself, see why she adored it so much. Now, he always keeps a pint of it in his freezer. Not because he expects situations like this, but because he indulges in it himself to have the tiniest connection with her. It also helps that it is, in fact, yummy.

“So I’m guessing that you don’t get along with your roommate?” he asks, finishing the last bites of his melting ice cream.

“We get along fine. I just didn’t expect her and her boyfriend to be so loud. Especially during sex. It’s very distracting.”

“When you’re caught up in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget about everything and everybody else surrounding you,” he says. In the worst timing ever, he recalls their passionate nights, never holding back with each other.

She turns to look at him, a gleam in her eyes that sends his heart racing. “Yeah. You’re right.”

Is he imagining all of this? This pleasant vibe in the air?

He hastily grabs the remote and resumes the show, ending any more talk about sex. They finish the episode and watch one more before she deems it safe to return to her place.

“Thanks again for letting me come over. And for the ice cream.”

“Of course. I’m here anytime you need me.” The words slip out sooner than he can actually think it through. He panics, fearing he took a monumental step backwards.

Instead, she responds, “Okay. I’ll hold you to that.” Eren watches her leave and waits for the soft thud of her door shutting to close his.

Cheeks hot, perspiration beading on his forehead, he slides down the door and sits on the floor, burying his face in his sweaty palms.

His mom is right. This is dangerous.

~~~

The summer session is nearing the end. It goes by much faster than you expect. This is largely thanks to your next-door neighbor slash friend slash ex-lover Eren Jaeger. For a situation so complicated and messy, it’s been easy being with him, as friends.

It’s gotten to a point where you’re at his apartment nearly every weekend, usually watching a random show or movie. He’ll offer you whatever meal he can whip up in the kitchen on the fly; other nights you’ll order delivery or take-out from a local restaurant. And every dinner ends with three scoops of your favorite ice cream.

On some weekdays, you’ll wake up early to get breakfast together at the dining hall. You’ve since unblocked his number from your phone, so either he’ll text you, “Breakfast?” or you’ll knock on his door, knowing he’s already awake.

Not wanting to make the same mistakes as last year, you tell your friends everything, to which you get plenty of opinions about from them. Annie in particular isn’t shy to call you dumb for falling for the same trap again. In your defense, it doesn’t feel stressful this time around. What do either you or Eren gain from spending time together, besides companionship? Without sex being involved, could the two of you truly become friends? At this rate, you’re confident that you can.

The Friday leading into finals, you leave the library close to 1 AM. You got caught up finishing a paper for one of your classes, not realizing how late it is. The walk to your apartment isn’t far. However, being alone in the after-midnight darkness adds a level of creepiness that unsettles you. You slide your keys between your knuckles as a makeshift weapon and stroll directly under each lamp post for a sense of security.

When you arrive at the apartment complex, there’s a figure slouched at the bottom of the staircase leading up to your floor. You recognize him as one of the residents of the apartments. As you pass him on the steps, he grabs your ankle.

“Hey, can you help me?” His speech is slurred; he’s drunk.

Alarmed at his unwanted touch, you tug your foot away from him, muttering, “Sorry. No.” You hustle up the stairs, hoping he stays slumped there.

You hear shuffling as he cries out, “Come on! I locked myself out! Public Safety is taking forever. Let me stay in your apartment for a bit.”

He’s on your tail. Nervous for him to see which apartment you’re living in, you stop in front of the laundry room, reaching for the phone in your pocket. “I said no. I don’t know you.”

“I’m Floch. I’ve seen you around. You’re a Sigma Nu Kappa. I bet you’re an easy fuck.” He grabs you by the wrist aggressively, causing you to drop your phone onto the ground.

“Let go of me asshole!” On instinct, you kick him between the legs, directly in the balls.

He grunts, doubling over, clutching his hopefully shattered jewels. “You fucking bitch,” he spits out through gritted teeth.

Quickly, you retrieve your fallen phone and sprint to your room, desperate to hide from him. Shaking, you can’t get your keys into the lock. From your peripheral, you see him get back up slowly, limping towards you, holding onto his crotch like some perverted zombie. You continuously press the lock button on your phone, attempting to trigger the SOS signal as he closes the distance.

Suddenly, the next door swings open and Eren hovers over Floch, growling, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Your assailant shrinks, waving his hands in front of him in a pathetic surrender. “Whoa…Nothing man, I wasn’t doing anything.”

“You owe her an apology.”

“Huh? She’s the one who kicked my nuts – ’

“Did I fucking stutter? Apologize to her. Right fucking now, dipshit.”

“Okay, okay.” He peeks around Eren’s massive form to apologize. “I’m sorry.”

You don’t speak, staring at them in a catatonic state.

Eren steps forward, towering over him. “Now get the fuck away from her and wait outside your own goddamn apartment. And if you bother her again, I won’t be so nice.”

Without another word, Floch hobbles off, heading upstairs to the third level.

Eren looks at you, expression switching immediately from outrage to concern. “Are you okay?”

You’re still trembling as you nod. “Yeah. I’m…I’m okay.”

“Did he hurt you?”

“No. I kicked him in the balls before he could do anything.” You turn the handle to open the door, which you finally manage to get unlocked. “Thank you. That was…crazy.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I heard your voice from outside and I knew something was wrong. I’m glad I came out when I did.”

“Me too.” For some reason, you’re nervous to look at him, so you keep your focus on the ground.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thank you again.”

“It was nothing. Seriously. I’m here anytime you need me.”

You stand, frozen in place with fear and adrenaline coursing through your veins. Eren’s voice, despite being beside you, seems distant.

“You’re shaking,” he notices, watching you carefully.

“Yeah, I’m just…I don’t know. I wish my roommate was here. I don’t want to be alone right now.” Unfortunately, Hannah decided last minute to study for finals at her boyfriend’s this weekend.

After a moment of contemplation, he says, “You can stay at my place. Until you’re feeling better.”

“Are you sure? You don’t feel weird about this?”

“No. We’re friends. Right?” It’s more of a question he wants confirmed, unsure himself.

You smile at him. “Yes. Friends.”

~~~

He leads her inside his apartment, waving over to the couch. “I’ll be back. I’m going to get a pillow and a blanket.”

Prior to heading into his bedroom, he goes into the bathroom, staring at his reflection in the mirror. She’s in his apartment in the middle of the night, and he’s almost certain she will be sleeping here. She’s scared and traumatized from that asshole who attacked her, and she didn’t want to be alone, so he offered to help.

Has he crossed the line? Is this okay?

Back downstairs, he hands her a pillow and throw blanket. “Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.”

He’s ready to march right upstairs, slam his door shut, and pretend that this is all totally normal. That he’s totally fine. This is what friends do. They help each other. And that’s what they are now. Friends.

“Wait.”

She looks at him, eyes precious, innocent, and sweet. Arms wrapped tightly around the pillow. It has him melting like ice cream on a hot summer day.

“Can you…stay with me a while?”

He swallows loudly, nervous and excited all at once. “Of course.”

She smiles softly, laying on the cushion with the blanket surrounding her. He kneels on the floor beside her, still in awe that this is happening.

“It smells like you,” she says, nose pressed into the pillow.

He laughs. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

“Good. It smells good.”

It’s too much. He’s about to explode from glee. On the edge of the couch, he rests his arm, laying his head on it, gazing at her. He wants to brush the hair away from her forehead. Caress her delicate cheek with his hand. “Are you okay?”

“Still a little freaked out.”

“We should report it. I’ll let Onyankopon know now – ”

“We can talk to him in the morning. I don’t want to be left alone right now.” Her hand sneaks out from under the covers, inches from his. There’s electricity flickering in the small space. It jolts throughout his body, firing synapses into his brain.

“Can I hold your hand?” she asks, voice trembling.

He’s convinced he’s dreaming now. There’s no way this is happening. But it is. She’s here in front of him. As real as ever.

He hesitates, “Are you sure?”

She nods, carefully sliding her hand over his.

Everything plays in slow motion. They press their palms together slowly, fingertips lined up perfectly, skin-on-skin igniting the ember that still remains from months ago. Savoring this moment before it gets taken away. Their fingers interlock, fitting seamlessly as if they belong exactly like this.

Breathless, he asks again, “Are you sure this is okay?” His whole body vibrates from the palpations overwhelming his chest, still in disbelief this is actually happening.

“Yes, Eren.” Her voice is soft, supple. It soothes him, makes him feel at peace.

“I don’t want to rush this.”

“Me neither.”

They remain in this position for a while, cherishing it for all it’s worth. So much is communicated between them without speaking. It’s in the eyes, their touch. The warmth that she emits, filling him up with euphoria he can’t find elsewhere.

It’s different this time. It’s right. He’ll do everything in his power not to mess it up again. His word lost all value the second he used it against her. So instead of telling her how he feels, he has to show her. Prove to her that he’s no longer afraid.

~~~

“Can I show you something?” He looks at you tenderly, eyes sparkling like brilliant emeralds unearthed through the dust.

Curious, you agree, giving him your full attention, a flutter in your belly from the anticipation.

He places your palm over his chest, holding you gently against him. Through the cotton of his shirt, you feel his heart pounding hard and fast.

“This is how I feel about you. This is what you do to me.”

You keep steady, relishing the rhythmic thumping of his heartbeat. Understanding exactly what he’s trying to convey to you.

The two of you were always lost in translation, unsure how the other felt, what the other wanted. You were on different pages, sometimes even in two different worlds. Somehow, someway, you are brought together again, now in the same orbit, revolving one other like the universe intended it.

Your story with Eren has already been written. It began at the start of fall semester, almost a year ago, and ended a few months later, before the bitter cold of winter. There are no rewrites, no rewinds to change the events that occurred. Mistakes were made, hearts were broken, a chance at love was lost. Far from a fairytale ending.

Maybe this is the beginning of the sequel, a story about two people who are far from perfect finding their way back to each other for one last shot. Picking up the shattered fragments to build something beautiful from the ground up, piece by piece. There may be cracks or missing parts throughout. In the end, maybe it’ll be a masterpiece you can both be proud of, flaws and all.

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End Note: Thank you for all of you who have taken the time to read Rush the whole way through. It’s been such a fun ride and I hope it was worth it. The love and support I’ve gotten throughout means so much to me, I can’t thank you enough! I have a few ideas about what I want to write next, so stay tuned!

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Tag List: @jaegerxeren @thelovewitch0v0 @hippiecultz @silver-foxling-blog @eren-slut @littlelaur27 @mokyowife @thenamesaceee @mxnst3rz @itswhits @diamandveins @ritzzberitzz @xartisticoutletx @izukusupreme @erensfavblackie @tippy-toes @monbebe101 @crtzrulestheworld @maqqiekwon @where-the-blackbirds-sing @minibold @hilichurl01 @jbird0508 @rainzelenia @anonbbygirlsblog @prettygirllisa @ctrllovre @4522-08 @laiorelle @pompompurjin @inbriannawestrust @alicebleu @sparkles-and-rust @neopussytechnology @kpopisbaeforever @kindmarely @weasleyisourking1 @taqsyq @guesswhosback129 @shinisthebest @hiromihanagaki @therarestruby @lovinghirotaka

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mill3rrrd · 7 days

Text

DEAR DIARY b hoover

“these bitch boys come too neeky, lying on a bitch that they can’t even have..” – ceechynaa

cw. reader has diagnosed anger issues (not really talked about too much but implied), slight violence and injury description, bertie has a big fat crush on reiner

wc. 4.1k

synopsis. you and bertholdt get off on the wrong foot, maybe you misinterpreted his gaze. to your friends’ dismay, you made yet another foe.

chapter two. forced proximity

dear diary,

ymir’s been pushing a friendship between me and bertholdt. i finally got introduced to him, but i don’t like him. he has this weird look in his eye. i know i said he likes me, but now i think its deeper than that. like obsession. it’s actually scary, the way he looks at me. i don’t mean to sound snobby, but it’s easy to tell when a guy likes you. they ogle you, they’re always making sure they’re within distance of you at all times.

i got a good look at him like i said i would. i can acknowledge good looks, he’s actually one of the better looking few. a tall glass of water, as one might say. he is, infact, VERY tall. bertholdt clearly works out. but he lacks confidence. that’s why nobody sees him.. or maybe just me, but anyone could tell he’s somewhat insecure. the sadness surrounding him says it all. and he’s a sloucher.

i think ymir wants us to ‘get together’ more than ‘be friends’ because of what she said to me two days ago. ‘i think bertholdt’s taken a liking to you.’ well i haven’t. he’s sort of weird. and again, he’s reiner’s one hand man.

you sighed, checking the time on your phone. 07:48.. historia and ymir would be here soon to pick you up, which explained the shorter-than-usual diary entry. you put your diary back in its usual spot and stood up to collect your bag. you weren’t really hungry for breakfast this particular morning, so you sat in your room until mr reiss pulled up in the front of your mom’s driveway.

you could hear the rain beating down on your window, you weren’t even sure your tights could stay somewhat dry from the time you left your house and got to the car. voices came from beyond your open door which meant your brother and mom were heading downstairs. you decided to follow them, smoothing down your jumper and ignoring the blazer hung up on your desk chair. you prayed that you didn’t run into principal kruger..

a car pulled up and the horn honked, you knew it was your friends, so you shouted to your family that you were leaving and swung your coat onto your arms. grabbing your bag by the small hook at the top, you opened the door and made a beeline for the car.

the interior was warm, seats heated and all. you shivered as you greeted your friends and started up conversation like the usual.

screaming, historia grabbed your’s and ymir’s hands. the three of you ran, people who were stupid enough to stay outside giving you all looks of disapproval. as usual, reiner’s group was on the steps—or under the canopy for cover from the rain—it seemed as though they were watching you three, waiting, even. unfortunately, there was no sign of annie or pieck which meant they were probably inside already or just hadn’t told you that they were staying home.

water splashed up at your ankles, soaking your tights and shoes. that would definitely be something you would all complain about later. you could feel and hear the rain hitting your coat, muffled paps! acting like a surround sound in your hood. ymir laughed, holding historia’s hand closer to her body while your hand left hers.

the three of you got to the steps, historia taking one quick step at a time whereas you and ymir skipped a few at a time. the slab of concrete you stepped on was, clearly, really wet. wet enough for you to slip backwards. a minimal shriek left your lips, eyes widening in shock. from the corner of your eye, you could see your friends lurch forward until they looked up–behind you.

a really, really big hand and pressed itself against the small of your back, preventing your fall. you could feel their hand curl around your waist as they prepped you upright. your hood slipped down, exposing your head to the onslaught of april showers and exposing your identity to the person who saved you.

“easy now..” he murmured, “you really shouldn’t run in such weather.” that sad and bored voice. bertholdt. you turned around, seeing him barely leaning over the railing that split the stairs and his arm extended to where his hand supported you.

“what the hell..” you didn’t intend to have such malice and snob take over the tone of your voice, but it just happened. you didn’t even notice he was there! you didn’t see him at all, just where does he come from.. and his hand was lingering. you were stood up and safe, he could let you go.

you could tell bertholdt caught onto your tone because his hand quickly returned to his side and his eyes examined you. his body straightened, rain droplets littering his blazer far quicker than they hit your coat. where even was his coat? it looked like his head touched the sky.

a twitch began in bertholdt’s upper lip which barely made a scene on his face. but you saw it. you sort of felt bad for the audacity you had to think how rude..

was i really that entitled? worry was seeping into your throat.

but if it really bothered him, bertholdt wouldn’t let you hear it, “a good ‘thank you’ would work too..” a flat, tired tone. you hummed, eyes swirling with distaste, “yeah, some other time..” he was one of reiner’s friends.

ymir and historia watched the scene from their spots on the two steps ahead of you, silently giving each other a know-it-all look: eyebrows raised, eyelids low, and a smirk adorning their lips.

a scoff came the group of boys receiving cover from the rain. everyone’s eyes turned to reiner, who pushed himself to the front, clearly not impressed by the scene he just witnessed.

“i wish you’d let her fall,” reiner frowned, looking bertholdt in the eye. you rolled your own, returning to historia’s side. with a cough, you murmured, “i wish your mom didn’t hoe around..” referring to the fact reiner was an affair baby.

“speak louder, y/n, we all know you have a big mouth so use it!” reiner’s tone almost sent you rigid, almost. with a smile, you turned to his burly figure, “you heard me..”

bertholdt returned to reiner’s side, like a dog, eyes looking through you, “i don’t think you’re one to talk about being a hoe..” boystrous laughter erupted amongst reiner’s friends. one of them even had the nerve to say good one, bertholdt.

“i’m sorry? i don’t even know who you are and according to ymir, i’ve gone to school alongside you since the first grade so maybe you need to learn something from me and get. it. up.” your lips popped, expanding your word’s influence. their laughter ceased and bertholdt’s cheeks warmed.

“and maybe, if you quit dick riding big brother, you’ll feel better about yourself,” you snickered, bringing up reiner’s nickname. ymir and historia giggled as you walked with them to the entrance but as you passed, bertholdt had whispered something he’d wish he hadn’t said.

“shut up, bitch..” bitch? like a dog? reiner had called you that once, he ended up with a bust lip from just a slap. squatting down, you picked up a piece of stray slate and looked at it in your palm.

“did i hear that right?” you whispered, your question directed at your friends. ymir chuckled, though it was clear she was more unsettled and historia frowned, “y/n, don’t do it..”

like a switch, your shocked expression turned into an angry one and you turned around, launching the piece of slate towards bertholdt’s face. a chorus of ‘oo’s sounded amongst the boys aswell as the sound of rock meeting rock. the tallest boy pulled his hand back from his face, staring at the few dots of blood on his hand. a gash went from his left nostril to just under his left eye.

“next time, i’ll shove my house keys in your eye!” your friends guided you inside, ignoring the eyes of any witnesses. with a small chuckle, bertholdt stared at your retreating figure, “have you got issues or something?” at this point, he was trying to protect whatever masculinity he had left.

he was thankful that ymir and historia had convinced you to leave his second comment alone.

bertholdt noticed how you always found the nerve in someone to strike. he, himself, was too angry to even feel the pain of the gash on his face, stop dick riding reiner? did she know? replacing the pain in bertholdt’s face, a sickness swirled in his abdomen. what if he did feel better if he just gave up on pursuing reiner?

she deserved it, she has no manners, i helped her and she couldn’t even thank me..

reiner broke his friend out of his silence, patting him on the shoulder, “thanks, man, always at my defence!” the praise made happiness replace that sickness. reiner was proud and maybe bertholdt could pursue him for just a while longer.

“ah, it’s no worry..” bertholdt rubbed the back of his neck, ignoring how the rain was washing the blood down his face and creating a pool in his philtrum. the blonde removed his hand, gesturing to the cut, “you might wanna get that checked, though, the rock looked dirty..”

with a slow nod, bertholdt’s eyes flickered all over reiner’s face, “yeah, i will.”

after reiner stepped away, his friends crowded him to congratulate him on ‘taking it like a champ’ or to show genuine care about his injury. what was common, however, was that they all prided him in ‘resisting the temptation of the slut.’

you and your girls reunited at your usual table at break. your sour mood shifted when you had all sat down with your food, finally getting a chance to rant about it.

“i actually hate bertholdt,” you grumbled, resting your cheek on your fist, “he’s made it onto the same list as reiner.”

ymir sighed and took a bite of her sandwhich, “here we go..” pieck and annie shared looks of confusion before the black haired girl decided to ask, “what happened?”

“i am so glad you asked!” for the next five minutes, you explained how bertholdt caught you, reiner got pissy about it and suddenly he switched up and started belittling you. you spent an extra amount of time talking about how bertholdt called you a bitch.

with a gasp, pieck set down her drink, “bertholdt hoover? he called you a bitch? like ‘super quiet, minds his business, wouldn’t hurt a fly’ bertholdt hoover?” you nodded, confirming pieck’s questions. annie chuckled, “it’s always the quiet ones who really have a lot to say, even if they don’t say it, y’know?”

“don’t leave out how you said to him ‘what the hell?’ and gave him the most grossed out look ever when he caught you..” historia chided, though humour was evident in her voice. with a sigh, you nodded, “i guess i did do that, but i felt bad about it, i still would if he didn’t call me a bitch..”

“how about we act out the whole scene, hisu?” ymir suggested, cheek evident in her voice. historia agreed. the two stood up, ymir acting as bertholdt and historia acting as you. historia fell backwards and ymir put her hand on her back, “oh y/n, take it easy, what if you fell?” she made a goo-goo voice, pouting at historia who acted faint, a hand over her forehead.

“bertholdt, please let go, if you hold on any longer, i’ll fall in love!” the two broke out of character, laughing, though ymir was significantly louder than historia which caught a few people’s ears.

“har, har,” you dropped sarcastically, “that’s definitely how it went..” the girls sat back down. ymir leaned forward, her right forearm resting on the table, “oh, it is how it went.”

“i think if you had actually acknowledged him instead of not acknowledging him, you two would be cute,” historia shrugged, picking at her chicken salad, “it’s ashame you two got off on the wrong foot, he usually is quite nice.”

“wait.. have you all spoken to him?” everyone on your table said yes.

“i grew up with reiner, of course i’ve spoken to bertholdt,” ymir said matter-of-factly. historia told you that he’d tag along to ymir’s with reiner when he goes to ymir’s for meals and gatherings.

annie’s lip twitched in reminiscence, “we did cubscouts together.” nodding with her mouth full, pieck put her thumbs up. it had been brought up in a past conversation that pieck and annie attended cubscouts together. ymir patted your back, “it’s okay, it’s only because of reiner that people notice him but you and reiner aren’t close so nobody blames you for not being aware of his friends.”

your head sank into your hands, “i just feel so bad, guys.. i threw a slab at him because he called me a bitch and nobody would’ve done that, that’s low even for me..” you pushed your food away, avoiding eye contact with your friends.

“what if you apologised?” historia and pieck suggested, “he was just trying to be nice in the first place, he didn’t have to catch you, y’know.”

with a raised brow and a scowl, you shook your head, “i’d rather not.. we both got back at each other so we’re even. it doesn’t mean i can’t feel bad about how i went about it, but bertholdt had it coming anyway.” annie hummed in agreement, tilting her head slightly, “even if he did help her, he still called her a hoe and a bitch. he’s really defensive over reiner but that’s no excuse.”

with a pat on the table, ymir chimed in, “yeah, in grade school, porco used to pick on reiner until he got bigger than him and bertholdt was always there for him. they’ve got this loyal brotherly bond, so you can’t blame him that much.”

“i guess not..” you agreed, “i’m not apologising though, i was justified.”

bertholdt examined his gash in the boy’s bathroom mirror. it was beginning to scab up but it was surprisingly deep. not that deep, but for a thin piece of rock? it slid into his face like a disk at such a scary force. reiner leaned on the cubicle behind him, “she’s so cute when she’s aggressive, she gets riled up so easily.”

“cute when you aren’t the victim maybe,” bertholdt frowned and turned around to face reiner, “miss magnolia said it’ll probably scar.”

a careless and loud laugh came from reiner, his head tilted back and arms crossed, “hey, atleast you can tell your kids about that battle scar, ‘yeah i survived the school’s witch and got a cool scar to remind me of my victory’.”

with an eyeroll, bertholdt unrolled his blazer’s sleeves, “y’know it feels like you aren’t my friend right now, you’re just some guy obsessed with a girl he calls a slut.” he was really done.

“c’mon, you know i like her, it’s expected by now, surely,” reiner scoffed but bertholdt scowled at him. scowled. his eyes blazed with unsaid sadness, anger, and betrayal. bertholdt had been nothing but loyal to reiner all his life. but it was clear that reiner wouldn’t do the same, he’s already throwing him to the wolves over a girl. the girl that reiner influenced the slut title to. the girl that reiner had picked on since grade school even though he knew what it was like to be picked on.

“i dont care wether you like her or not, you should leave her alone, drop it. you make her life miserable, can’t you see that? she hates you. you can’t even appreciate your friends anymore with her in the way. have you suddenly misplaced your loyalty? pick, reiner, the slut or me, your best friend?”

bertholdt was taken aback by the stammer in his friend’s voice. it wasn’t a hard choice. reiner should’ve been able to say you, bertholdt. because they were friends. best friends. bertholdt was selfish. he wanted more. he wanted to have reiner to himself, he needed reiner to just accept your unattainability. gosh, he’d even happily go back to when porco hated him and marcel had to apologise on his behalf. when he’d step in when reiner got kicked down and he’d sometimes get kicked down twice as hard. but they had each other.

bertholdt’s father once told him that companionship didn’t require an intimate relationship. companionship was brotherhood. someone to carry along with you so there was familiarity thoughout the tough and newest stages of life.

but it seemed he left a part out. maybe, just maybe, companionship was also seeing a friend off at the station when they couldn’t venture on that same train anymore to seek out the adventure and difference they craved. however, another person replaced his friend. an unfamiliar person who happened to be getting on the train bertholdt still lingered on because he was the one who couldn’t get off and experience unfamiliarity. so the unfamiliarity came to him instead. that person had gotten off a different train and was curious enough to venture into the unknown. the unknown that bertholdt knew so well.

“i see..” bertholdt’s tongue clicked, “when you can make up your mind, come find me.” as if on queue, the bell rang to signal the end of break. the door to the bathroom swung shut and bertholdt found himself in a crowded hallway.

it was a struggle to get to the stairwell leading to the third floor of the english block, but bertholdt got there in the end. mr berner didn’t appreciate tardiness and expected everyone in their seats by the time the bell rang the second time.

thankfully enough, he made it just before and settled in his seat by the window in the 3rd row back. however, as the second bell rang you and ymir walked through the door. bertholdt knew that you and him were in the same english class, but now he was very aware of it. you sat in the back corner with ymir infront of you. on diagonal sides of the room. but he was suddenly aware of his every move, as if you were watching him.

mr berner rose in his chair, “alright class, settle down.” he took the register before explaining the lesson. it was relatively boring, just him explaining p-e-e paragraphs and how to use each aspect of it into the paragraph. then, he gave everyone ten minutes to write one on why lady macbeth was significant to the plot. which wasn’t necessarily a hard task. if it was macduff, for instance, anyone would’ve struggled.

for the last quarter of the lesson, mr berner announced there would be a partner project set for homework, “you have about a month to complete it. i will hand out a card to half of the students in here and you will partner up.”

ymir turned around in her seat, grinning at you and raising her hand for you to return a high five. you smiled too until your teacher interrupted your happiness, “however, due to complications last time we did something like this, i will be choosing your partners.”

a collective groan sounded out throughout the classroom as mr berner walked down the centre aisle. the classroom was layed out as a four by six meaning there was twenty-four students and twelve would recieve a card. as he returned to the front, mr berner called out, “as some of you can see, the cards are not based on shakespear but greek mythology..”

“that is because we are nearing the end of the semester and at the start of the next one, we will focus on classical languages,” your teacher explained, standing infront of the projector screen, “you have all been given twelve different mythologies to study and create some sort of fact file. it can be physical, like a drama performance or something more factual like a display board. as long as it isn’t basic or boring! you will lose marks if there is too few information.”

a smirk fell onto his face as he examined his students, noticing how the lazier few of his students seemed to deflate, “now, i have already picked your partners based on what side of the room you’re on..” he murmured, bending down to his computer and clicking on the document that contained the partner list. one by one, he called out names.

“marlowe and hannah, mina and ymir, bertholdt and y/n..” it almost flew over your head, almost. ymir turned back around to snicker at you and laugh at your luck, “milieus and thomas..” you didn’t listen to the rest of the names. you were stuck with bertholdt.

“you have five minutes to make arrangements with your partner before i dismiss you!” with a heavy groan, you said goodbye to ymir and headed towards bertholdt’s seat since he had the card. mouth flatlined, bertholdt held his hand up like a dry wave, quickly putting it down. you pulled a chair over from the empty desk infront of him and turned it around, sitting opposite of bertholdt.

“what’s on the card?” you asked, biting your cheek and looking at the healing line on his face. turning the card, it read apollo and daphne. you nodded, smacking you lips and producing an ah.. sound, “i know this one..”

“that’s useful, then,” bertholdt hummed, fingers drumming on the table, “we have a month so should we work on it every saturday until the due date?”

that was a good idea.. so you nodded, “yeah, that works, umm.. does your house work?” it felt really awkward. nonetheless, bertholdt agreed and exchanged numbers with you since you didn’t already have it. without another word, you returned to your seat just in time for ymir to come back too.

“he’s healing fine,” you shrugged, “we decided we’d do the project at his house on saturdays.” ymir whistled, “his house? nothing is getting done,” hinting to something more suggestive.

with a laugh, she picked up her bag just as the bell rang. you rolled your eyes, “everything is getting done, ymir, honestly mr berner is not my favourite right now!”

back into the hall you went, heading towards history. you had parted ways with ymir when you left the building to cut across campus for a shortcut. and she didn’t have history but religious studies instead. you hoped you would meet armin along the way.

he was a nice boy, though he got picked on by reiner like you. you were sort of happy to have someone to rant to about it other than your friends and mr smith. however, armin was starting to come out of his shell and the last time you saw him, he had gotten a haircut. you thought it suited him. he was nowhere near ugly, even with the bob cut he donned since he could grow hair.

“y/n, hey!” just who you were hoping to see, “hi armin, ready for history?” he nodded and walked with you to mr smith’s classroom.

bertholdt dragged a palm down his face as he entered his photography class. he had been mentally cursing himself for the awkward interaction in english, he didn’t even want you at his house bertholdt was just incapable of saying no. he didn’t want you to see the state of his sick father, a feeling deep down telling him you were judgy like that. he could’ve suggested the local library or even your house, but honestly, he wasn’t risking bringing out the bratty attitude that was getting too comfortable with him.

bertholdt didn’t know where all these negative beliefs about you came from. he knew he was jealous of you, he didn’t know you enough to hate you but everything he felt for you was close to it. did he actually hate you? or was it jealousy talking..

sure, you dashed something in his face and scarred it, but he did name call you, but you were clearly ungrateful about him saving you from a potentially broken neck. sitting down in his seat, that familiar sickness pooled. you were really fucking up things for him and reiner. you determined their current friendship and you didn’t like either of them. it had him thinking about the delirious possibility that you could be a witch.

bertholdt had mixed feelings about you, just not in a positive light.

#bertholdt hoover x reader #aot fic #aot x reader #annie leonhart #aot ymir #historia reiss #reiner braun #snk fanfiction #fanfiction #bertholdt hoover #female reader

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lionmom-svenomverse · 10 months

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Ooh man I haven’t posted in a minute, sorry! I do have two new lil concept/ref pieces to share here though, so let’s get to it! Here’s the concept art for the Aimarusoranulf family! HCs/notes under the cut!

💙 King Consort Ike Greil - Older brother of Mist Greil. Husband of King Marth Lowell, King Consort Soren and King Consort Ranulf. Father of Ness (adoptive), Priam Greil (bio), Daphne (step), Princess Adora Greil (bio), Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell (bio) and Princex Tycho Lowell. King of Altea. Leader of the Greil Mercenaries. Smash Tournament Member. Cis Male (He/him), Demiromantic Gay, Polyamorous 💙 Like Reiner Braun, Ike has always been a gay man in my eyes. He's a boy kisser folks! I drew him kinda stoic here but his partners/kids make him smile very often, dw. The tallest and beefiest of the dads, could probably carry most if not all of his family on his back like it's nothing. Also this isn't super important but when I draw Ike imagine Jason Adkins' voice instead of Greg Chun's. 💙 King Marth Lowell - Younger brother of Queen Elice. Husband of King Consort Ike Greil, King Consort Soren and King Consort Ranulf. Father of Ness (adoptive), Priam Greil (step), Daphne (step), Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell (bio) and Princex Tycho Lowell (bio). King of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. Cis Male (He/him), Bi, Polyamorous 💙 Marth <3 My SSB main since like 2014. He is very special to me. Anyways! Has dated around quite a bit, starting with his childhood bestie Caeda (who later gets with Catria) and continuing with Roy and TP/HW!Link during Melee. Also besties with TP/HW!Link, Robin and Corrin, as well as TP!Zelda, Samus and Princess Peach. Probably fell for Ike first considering they interacted the most at first, but later fell in love with Soren and Ranulf as well since they're never too far from Ike (especially Soren). 💙 King Consort Soren - Husband of King Consort Ike Greil, King Marth Lowell and King Consort Ranulf. Father of Ness (adoptive), Priam Greil (bio), Daphne (step), Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias (bio), Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell (bio). King of Altea. Staff Officer/Strategist of the Greil Mercenaries. Intersex/Agender (He/him), Demiromantic Gay, Polyamorous Despite also being with Marth and Ranulf he's still the closest to Ike (which, obviously), although they've managed to make him smile as often as Ike does. 💙 Was probably a lil rude to Marth in the beginning but began to respect him and eventually like him. Was surprisingly weepy when Priam was born and will have to excuse himself every so often even now if he thinks about it for too long, that's his baby boy. Still very much a stoic but his family has softened him quite a bit. 💙 King Consort Ranulf - Past Partner of Lethe, Husband of King Consort Ike Greil, King Marth Lowell and King Consort Soren. Father of Ness (adoptive), Priam Greil (step), Daphne (bio), Princess Adora Greil (bio), Prince Tobias (bio), Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. King of Altea. Commander of the Gallian Army. Genderfluid (He/she/they), Pan, Polyamorous 💙 Had a very short-lived relationship (if you can even call it that) with Lethe that resulted in their kid Daphne, suddenly became a single dad until he started dating Ike and Soren (who already had Priam by the time Daph came into the picture). Wasn't expecting to be a dad that soon but surprisingly blossomed in the role, even if she spent many a late night consoling her crying baby (it got easier when she got with her partners). Is definitely the fun dad; from least to most stern in terms of parenting it goes from Ranulf, Marth, Ike then Soren. Very fluffy, purrs when cuddling his partners and/or kids. 💙 Lethe - Older twin sister of Lyre. Past Partner of Ranulf. Mother of Daphne. Member of the Gallian Army. Cis Female (She/her), Bi. 💙 Not really a whole lot to put for her! Had a fling with Ranulf in the past and got pregnant with Daphne as a result of it, which was maybe a lil messy on her part considering her sister's possible feelings for Ranulf. Had no real desire to be a mother so she handed Daphne off to Ranulf and went on her way. I like to think she shows up every once in a while to check in but she isn't super present in Daphne's life. That definitely didn't affect them at all! 💙 Ness - Son of unnamed parents, adoptive son of King Consort Ike Greil, King Marth Lowell, King Consort Soren and King Consort Ranulf. Older brother of Tracy, adoptive older brother of Priam Greil, Daphne, Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. Husband of Lucas. Father of Jarvis. Technical Prince of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. Member of the Tournament Committee. Owner of a local diner (name TBA). Baseball Player. Transmasculine/Nonbinary (He/they), Bi. 💙 Listen I can't really explain why Ness was adopted by Ike/Marth/Soren/Ranulf (initially just Ike and Marth), it's just been a part of Kim and I's slapped together worldbuilding since like 2014 when we played Brawl/4 at my house and did lil dramatic RPs. Ik it's weird but it makes me happy so I'm keeping it sorry not sorry. Anyways, I finally changed his design and I like it a lot more now, plus he coincidentally looks similar to Priam now so that's a bonus haha. Still gets nightmares from his encounter with Giygas and is terribly wary of Sterling. Is still besties with Paula, Jeff and Poo (and maybe helped set up Paula and Kumatora). Technically royalty since Marth adopted him but has no real political power (nor does he desire it). 💙 Lucas - Son of Flint and Hinawa. Younger twin brother of Claus. Husband of Ness. Father of Jarvis. Smash Tournament Member. Trans Male (He/him), Gay. 💙 Luke!! I've been a Nesscas enjoyer since I was 14 so it's nice to do more with them. The uncle of Amie, Claus' kid (the other parent currently being Ninten but I've been debating on making it Fuel instead and maybe making Ninten an ex? Mainly cause idk if I like Clausten as much as I did back when I first started VV). Still taller than Ness in adulthood, not that his partner minds :3c. Bonded with Ness during the events of Subspace and eventually over their game-specific traumas. Is also besties with Red/Pokemon Trainer. 💙 Priam Greil - Son of King Consort Ike Greil and King Consort Soren, stepson of King Marth Lowell and King Consort Ranulf. Adoptive younger brother of Ness, older step-brother of Daphne, older half-brother of Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. Technical Prince of Altea. Member of the Greil Mercenaries. Smash Tournament Member. Nonbinary (He/they), Gay. 💙 Initially Priam was the son of Ike and Soren, who got adopted by Ranulf when they broke up and Soren began dating him. That was until I realized I liked IkeSoren (and later IkeRanulf) too much to separate them and made the huge Aimarusoranulf conglomerate family. Now he was born to Ike and Soren, who later got with Ranulf, and then with Marth when they came to the Mansion, so Pri has just been accumlating dads since he was born haha. He and Ness have a playful rivalry over who the coolest older brother is. Hasn't really had a stable romantic relationship but his most common partners are Shigure and Hisame. Is technically a Prince since Marth adopted him but has no interest in the duties that come with it. 💙 Daphne - Daughter of King Consort Ranulf and Lethe, stepdaughter of King Marth Lowell, King Consort Ike Greil and King Consort Soren. Adoptive younger sister of Ness, younger step-sister of Priam Greil, older half-sister of Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. Technical Princex of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. Computer Engineer. 28 y/o. Unlabeled (They/he), Queer. 💙 Likes coding, drinking coffee, listening to music and minding their business. Not entirely satisfied with their color palette, nor am I 100% sure if I want to scrap them or not. I'll keep it on the backburner for now but I'll go ahead and list some notes anyways. Definitely inherited Lethe's RBF and sour attitude, is probably the grumpiest kid in the family. Is pestered by all of his more extroverted siblings but really wants to be left alone to type away at his computer. Despite that, they don't hate their siblings and they're secretly fond of them. Totally isn't holding a bit of a grudge against their mother for abandoning them even though she checks in once in a blue moon (def has mommy issues), but is quietly thankful they have four dads who are present and love them. Their weapon of choice is their Beast Form! 💙 Princess Adora Greil - Daughter of King Consort Ranulf and King Consort Ike Greil, additional daughter of King Marth Lowell and King Consort Soren. Adoptive younger sister of Ness, younger half-sister of Priam Greil and Daphne, older half-sister of Prince Tobias, Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. Princess of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. 25 y/o. Nonbinary (He/him), Lesbian. 💙 Likes weight lifting, rock music, building models, baking bread and going to parties. A big beefcake just like his dads, is always trying to get stronger. Could probably lift weights in his sleep. Has no manners at all despite being a Princess, will openly belch during speeches and manspread in front of stuffy old officials. A big brash jock lesbian who has probably dated every gal on the Mansion grounds at least once. While he's the first child born from the union of all four parents and the technical true heir to Marth's throne, he has forfeited the title on purpose because being the future ruler of Altea sounds like a lot of paperwork, and he hates working more than he has to. Is workout buddies with Priam (just realized they both also wear headbands, Ike's influence). Actually quite smart despite his gym-bro vibe. His weapon of choice is his War Hammer! 💙 Prince Tobias - Son of King Consort Ranulf and King Consort Soren, additional daughter of King Marth Lowell and King Consort Ike Greil. Adoptive younger brother of Ness, younger half-brother of Priam Greil, Daphne and Princess Adora Greil, older half-brother of Princess Griffen G. Lowell and Princex Tycho Lowell. Prince of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. Librarian. 23 y/o. Cis Male (He/him, Aro/Ace) 💙 Likes reading, practicing spells, table tennis, paintball, car restoration and volunteering. A himbo with not a single thought in his head but will surprisingly come up with some serious wisdom in the middle of a conversation. Has no interest in dating/any kinds of relations because it takes time away from his hobbies and being with family/friends, but is always down to cuddle. Probably the closest with Daphne; they're complete opposites with Daphne being Daphne and Tobi being an extroverted ray of sunshine but they work quite well. Daph is probably the most tolerant of Tobi out of all of their siblings. His weapon of choice is his Beast Form and magic! 💙 Princess Griffen G. Lowell - Daughter of King Marth Lowell and King Consort Ike Greil, additional daughter of King Consort Ranulf and King Consort Soren. Adoptive younger sister of Ness, younger half-sister of Priam Greil, Daphne, Princess Adora Greil and Prince Tobias, older half-sister of Princex Tycho Lowell. Princess of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. 22 y/o. Genderfluid (She/he mainly), Pan 💙 Likes playing video games, studying, making flower crowns, training, traveling and playing the ukulele. My baby girl!!! Back when Venomverse first started this family was solely comprised of Ike, Marth, Ness and Griffen, so she's pretty much the face of Smash Bros VV. Is kinda an inverse of Adora, who is largely golden with blue highlights while he is largely blue with golden highlights. Ike is definitely emotional about the fact that two of his kids kinda look like his dad. Griff's spots have been around since her original design, and since Ike doesn't have them I'm gonna say she got them from Grandma Elena. Extremely optimistic and bubbly, could find the one positive thing there is in the worst situation. Has the biggest crush on Prince Ryder, one of the kids in the King K. Rool/King Dedede/Meta Knight/Bandana Waddle Dee family, but doubts anything will come of it. Will occasionally date Prince Lancelot, middle child of Prince Corrin, but most days he's her cringefail best friend. His weapon of choice is his Battle Axe! 💙 Princex Tycho Lowell - Child of King Marth Lowell and King Consort Soren, additional daughter of King Consort Ranulf and King Consort Ike Greil. Adoptive younger sibling of Ness, younger half-sibling of Priam Greil, Daphne, Princess Adora Greil, Prince Tobias and Princess Griffen G. Lowell. Princex of Altea. Smash Tournament Member. 19 y/o. Transfeminine/Agender (They/them), Lesbian. 💙 Likes the stars, writing policies, chess, painting, horseback riding and archery. Is the youngest of the family but probably the most capable for the Altean throne next to maybe Griffen or Tobias. Actually enjoys discussing policy change, giving speeches and listening to the concerns of their people. Tycho has accepted their father's mentions of them being the one to inherit the throne considering their siblings are either ineligible, unwilling or unprepared, and is surprisingly not nervous about it at all. What does make them nervous is a pretty girl, but luckily they have their best wingman Adora to help soothe their nerves. While Ty enjoys interacting with others, they love their free time all the same, and can often be found in their observatory sketching or looking at the night sky. Is unaware of how pretty they are. Enjoys practicing magic with Soren. Their weapon of choice is their Black Dragon Form and magic! 💙 Jarvis - Son of Ness and Lucas. Smash Tournament Member. Pianist. 19 y/o. Agender (He/they/she), Demisexual Bi. 💙 Likes working on Link's farm, dogs, playing the piano, teaching kids and collecting action figures. An anxious lil guy! Does not yet have the confidence and bravery of their dads but will get there in time. Has a love-hate relationship with her cousin Amie, who picks on her like its her job but will also be there to give her some stoic words of wisdom. Hell I can imagine Amie taking a valuable collectable he had out of the box and spinning it into some kind of narrative about enjoying life instead of just dreaming about it. While she's the Aimarusoranulf kid's nibling, she's essentially like a younger sibling, especially since she and Tycho are the same age (Tycho is a month older). Jarvis is probably closest with Tycho because of this, and Tycho tries their best to get Jarvis out of his shell alongside Griffen. Feels a lil intimidated by how accomplished and high-ranking most of her family is, and feels a bit out of place. Is probably the most comfortable working on Link's farm, where they don't have to worry about impressing anyone. Her weapon of choice is PSI!

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sirius-algol · 2 years

Text

Unexpected

Chapter 3: Galliard's Gang

Word Count: 3924

Summary: Having successfully made your first friend- well, say hello to everyone else

“I swear to god!” Porco exclaimed. You peered up at him before looking around. The designated meeting spot was empty, and you’d even arrived a few minutes late cause you had had trouble washing your dishes with your cast, taking longer than you had meant to. “Those assholes better be here, or I will personally-!”

“Woah, easy there, Pock!” A soft voice rang out. You could see Porco shudder at the nickname you’d just heard. Turning around, you saw a shorter, black haired girled who wore a sleepy smile on her face as she walked up to you. “Marcel dropped me off at the doors, he’s having trouble finding a parking spot.”

“Acceptable, I guess…” He huffed. “(Y/N), this is Pieck, Pieck this is (Y/N),” he explained, motioning between the two of you. “Pieck’s a childhood friend of mine and my brother’s girlfriend.”

“Pock’s talked about you a lot this past week or so,” Pieck revealed, ratting him out. “Been very excited to introduce you to everybody…” She shot Porco a smug smile. Before Porco could berate her, he was interrupted by three new people showing up. There was an immensely tall guy with dark hair and looked just about as shy as you are, and with him was a blond guy who was just a few inches shorter, but was broad shouldered and strong looking and then a shorter blonde girl that looked like she could kill you with a glare.

“Ah, you finally decided to show up,” Porco said flatly as they approached.

“Campus is hectic today,” the blond guy explained. He turned to you, a smile appearing on his face as he extended his hand towards you. “Ah! You must be who we’re all meeting! Name’s Reiner, Reiner Braun.”

You accepted his hand with a shy smile, his hand dwarfing yours.

“(Y/N) (L/N),” You told him. The taller guy introduced himself as Bertholdt Hoover, and the girl introduced herself as Annie Leonhart.

“So far, everyone here is people I’ve known since I was a kid,” Porco explained to you, which told you more people were coming (there was a slight twitch in Porco’s eyes at the tardiness of the others).

Your group sat down and began talking, allowing you to get to know them better. You sat down next to Porco as he was who you knew the best, but Pieck had plopped down on your other side, giving you a smile as you chatted.

Next, an even bigger group of people arrived: Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, Sasha, Ymir and Historia. Porco bit back his harsh comments as Armin apologized for the group.

“We got the rooms mixed up,” He apologized, revealing they hadn’t been late at all. You gave them all a shy wave.

“You didn’t think to text?” Porco grumbled at them, bouncing his leg.

“Pock….” Pieck grabbed his attention and he flicked his gaze over to her. She shot him a look and he took a deep breath, biting back any rude comments that had been on the tip of tongue, ready to fly out the moment anyone said something he deemed stupid.

“Hey, finally managed to grab a parking spot!” a voice called out. Turning your head, you saw Porco’s brother approaching.

“Took you long enough!” Porco teased. “How many times did you circle the lot?”

“Too many!” Marcel cried. He walked over to you and shot you a smile. “How’s your arm?”

“Better than it was, thank you,” You told him, an embarrassed blush creeping onto your cheeks. Last time you had met him, you had practically run away from him.

“Didn’t quite get to properly thank you for sitting with him while he was unconscious, so… thank you,” He told you before plopping down next to Pieck, an arm over her shoulders.

“Wait, you were with Porco at the hospital?” Sasha asked you, perking up. “We just got told that the shit got beat out of him!”

“O-Oh!” You found yourself startled by the others beginning to pay you attention. “Y-Yeah- actually, I’m kinda the reason he even went there in the first place… Some guys were trying to grab me, but he stepped in and got them to go away.”

“Woah, Porco! I didn’t know you could be so nice!” Connie teased before Jean hit him over the back of the head.

“Did you not miss the part where (Y/N) said she was nearly kidnapped by some creeps, idiot?” He chastised harshly.

As his friends began to bicker and talk amongst themselves, you felt Pieck shift next to you, your eyes flicking over to her right as she uncapped a sharpie and grabbed your broken arm. She rolled her eyes at Porco’s signature as she scribbled her own onto your cast. Marcel peered over her shoulder and a laugh burst from his lips.

“Porco, did you really have to sign it so big?!” He laughed, shooting his younger brother a suggestive look. Porco grew defiant.

“Hey, she had no other signatures and with such a big canvas, how could I not?” He defended, glancing down at your arm. Compared to how Porco signed, Pieck’s signature was quite petite and pretty, a nice flow to the letters with a small “get well” written alongside it.

Marcel popped up and grabbed the sharpie from Pieck and turned to you.

“Mind if I sign as well?” He asked. You shook your head.

“Not at all,” You said, offering your arm to him. He crouched down and also signed your cast, his handwriting similar too, but oddly messier than Porco’s (you’d assumed it would’ve been the other way around).

“Oh!!! Are we signing the cast?!?!” Sasha asked with delight.

“Oh! If we are, I’d also like to sign!” Historia chimed in. Soon, all of them were admitted that they’d sign your cast, leaving you flabbergasted. They all hardly knew you and they would want to do that for you? Porco gave you an encouraging nudge.

You gave them all a big nod and to make it easier, you moved to the floor, setting your arm on the coffee table as everyone took turns writing their names on your cast (which allowed you to solidly get names and faces down together).

Meanwhile, Porco pulled out his phone and was typing away.

“Alright, everyone, I’m making a group chat,” He announced. “(Y/N)’s in there. You know the drill. Sound off in chat so she gets all your numbers.”

Your phone buzzed next to you and you saw the initial message pop up- a not so flattering picture of Reiner with his chest photoshopped to be huge. A quietly frustrated “Really, man?” Left the blond’s lips under his breath and he texted his name into the chat.

Soon, your phone began blowing up with alerts as everyone began to text their names. You sat back on the couch and began the annoying task of entering everyone’s names into your phone, Porco watching over your shoulder as you vigorously typed away, which was taking longer than you usual due to your cast.

You heard a sigh next to you and Porco plucked your phone from your hands, picking up the task for you after having watched you struggle to effectively type. He finished the task much quicker than you would have and handed you back the phone, and you stifled a snort as you discovered all the emojis he added to people’s names (such as an angel for Historia, a horse for Jean, and a seagull for Eren?).

You texted back to the group chat with a gif of a fat bear waving, along with your full name in case anyone was confused on how to spell it.

“Everyone got that?” Porco asked. Everyone gave him a thumbs up and he muttered a “mission accomplished” under his breath, causing you to let out a small giggle.

The day went on and you began to learn more and more about this group and their dynamics.

Armin, Eren and Mikasa were childhood friends, similar to the situation that Porco, Marcel and Pieck were in, all growing up in the same neighborhood. Porco and his group met Reiner, Annie and Bertholdt in preschool, where they ended up going on to the same middle school, high school and college. Eren’s group met Sasha, Connie, Jean, Historia and Ymir in high school, but as it turns out, Ymir went to elementary and middle school with Porco’s group, just never interested with them.

Jean and Eren had a rivalry that turned more playful with time, but Porco also seemed to have a bit of a rivalry with Eren, as they were both on the soccer team (giving a sense of comradery between him and Jean). Porco’s main rivalry(?) appeared to be with Reiner however (even though it seems to be one sided), with Porco seemingly constantly annoyed and teasing of the buff blonde, but you could only assume that deep down they were actually friends.

Historia and Ymir were girlfriends, and Connie and Sasha, who you originally thought were dating, were just in fact two people who seemed to share a brain cell, Sasha mentioning to you that you needed to try her boyfriend’s cooking sometime as he was going through culinary school.

Everyone seemed to know each other and you were, in fact, the only true newbie to the group.

***********************

As the day went on, everyone slowly began to filter out slowly, waving goodbye to you as they left. Soon enough, Porco nudged you.

“Wanna grab some grub with us?” He asked, motioning towards Pieck and Marcel.

“O-Only if it’s okay,” You told him. “I’m open for the rest of the night.”

“What are we thinking?” Porco asked the others.

“I was thinking about pizza and watching a movie,” Marcel admitted. “But that involved heading back to our place- not sure if you’d want to do that, (Y/N).”

“O-Oh, if you don’t want me at your place-”

“Nonsense! If you want to tag along, tag along!” Porco encouraged you.

“They have a ton of movies,” Pieck added. “I’m sure the boys would let you pick the movie too. Guest of honor’s choice.”

“No pressure, by the way, if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to,” Marcel assured you. “Chill hang out with pizza, booze if you want it, and a movie, and Porco will drive you home, unless you decide you want to crash on the couch, that’s always an option.”

“I-If you’ll have me!” You admitted. “You guys are fun! And super nice….”

“Well- Maybe not Porco,” Marcel teased, but you shook your head.

“Thanks for reminding me- you’re brother is super nice- at least to me, that is. Wouldn’t even let me pay for my own coffee!” Porco rolled his eyes.

“Give it time, (Y/N), give it time…” He told you, but Marcel laughed, shooting Pieck a certain look you were unable to decipher. Porco sat up and shot them a glare, unbeknownst to you, telling them to knock it off.

“Shall we get going?” Pieck asked. “I’ll order the pizza on the way back to the apartment.”

“Sounds good to me.” Porco stood up and helped you up. “We don’t live too far from campus, it’s just not walking distance. Not a long drive at all.”

Porco saluted at his brother as he led you out to his car and Marcel and Pieck headed out to his.

“Hope that wasn’t too crazy earlier,” He told you, surprisingly softly. “I know there was a lot of people there, and they all kinda swarmed you for a moment there with your cast, but they’re all a nice group of people- even Eren, much to many people’s surprise.”

“It was fun,” you admitted. You looked at your cast, now filled with signatures. “One time, when I was younger, I fell and broke my other arm- but I didn’t have near as many signatures as this one has.”

“So… Have you always been so shy?” Porco asked, causing you to laugh nervously.

“Yeah… I dunno… I’m always afraid I’m bothering people, so I just kinda… end up… sticking to myself. All the friends I’ve made have been through people like you- people who just kinda grab me and say ‘let’s go’.”

“Always good to have people like me in your life,” He laughed.

He led you to his car and opened the door for you before heading over to his side.

“My place isn’t a mess, which I’m sure would surprise most people,” He told you. “I make sure to keep it pretty organized and clean. Marcel lives in a bit more of an organized chaos, so it’s really only his room that’s semi-messy, but I don’t think you’re going in there unless you're secretly a super nosy person.”

“I am not, alas,” You sighed. Porco chuckled.

“The more I talk with you, the more I’m able to figure out you personality,” He told you. “It’s nice.”

“Isn’t that how most people are?” You asked.

“Really depends on the person- some people you learn all you need to know from one interaction,” he explained. “There’s this asshole around campus, Floch. All you have to do is encounter him once, and you’ll be like ‘Yep! That’s an obnoxious asshole.’”

“Oh… Makes sense I guess,” You shrugged. “I’ll be sure to avoid him.”

“It’s for the best,” He told you. “Dude has a reddish mop of hair- looks like if he was trying to get the Bieber hair, but the barber gave him a bowl cut and went from there.”

You giggled at the mental image.

“That sounds pretty bad!”

“Well, it is truly bad- I just hope you don’t encounter him. Dude has this weird fascination with Eren and keeps trying to join the soccer team, but never makes the cut.”

The two of you continued to chat as he drove to his apartment, and you were amazed as you entered a nicer part of town. He pulled into a nice apartment complex and parked his car, motioning for you to follow him up a flight of stairs.

He guided you to an apartment on the top floor of the complex, explaining that he and his brother chose the top floor to avoid people stomping above them, explaining that he lacked the patience to deal with that.

He opened the door and led you inside, tossing his keys into the counter. The apartment was much nicer than yours and slightly roomier. It appeared to have the same number of bedrooms that yours had, but it also seemed to have more doors to it.

“Welp, this is where Marcel and I live- and pretty much Pieck on the weekends,” he explained. “She just stays in Marcel’s room.” Leading your further in, he pointed you towards a door at the end of the hall. “That’s the bathroom, if you need it, Marcel’s room is there, next to it, and then here’s my room.” He knocked on the door behind him.

Leading you back into the front of the apartment, he showed you where they kept their food and where they kept their booze before pointing you towards the living room. Leading you over to the tv stand you showed you how to operate the tv and bins full of movies for you to choose from.

“Got a genre you feeling?” He asked, bending known next to you. You paused for a moment, thinking it over, before looking back up at him.

“…. How do you feel about horror?” You asked. A scarily wide grin appeared on his face.

“Couldn’t have chosen a better genre myself,” He told you. “Pieck blames my love of horror on me being a Scorpio, but I’m not sure what that all means.”

“It makes sense,” You agreed, causing him to shrug.

“So, what kind of horror we feeling? Supernatural or slasher?”

“What’s the scariest movie you have?” You asked. A devilish grin appeared on Porco’s face, and he reached into the bin, pulling out a movie called The Corpse of Ymir.

“It’s a Zombie Apocalypse movie with a twist- has some insane visuals to it,” he told you, and you gave him a nod.

“That one’s been on my list for awhile now!”

His grin somehow grew wider.

“So it absolutely has to be this one? Amazing.”

He set the movie down and helped you up right as Marcel and Pieck came through the door.

“You guys pick a movie?” Marcel asked. Pieck saw Porco’s mysterious grin and all it took was a quick glance at the cover to realize a horror movie had been chosen.

“Oh no, (Y/N), did Pock pressure you into a horror movie? You don’t have to-”

“Oh, actually I thought a horror movie would be fun…” you shyly admitted. Porco grabbed you and brought you in front of him, placing his hands on the top of your head and then his chin on top of them.

“It seems my new bff is a person of taste~” He bragged at them. Marcel rolled his eyes, but Pieck just sighed.

“We did say she could pick the movie, so horror it is,” She said, honoring her word.

“I’m your new bff?” You asked Porco, glancing up at him.

“You’re obligated to be after what we’ve been through,” He joked, causing you to laugh.

You’d take it.

“Anyone want something to drink?” Marcel asked, his head in the fridge.

“I’m good for now,” Pieck replied. “Might grab one of mine later.”

“Grab me a Guinness,” Porco called out. He glanced at you. “Want anything?”

“Uhh….. W-What do you have?”

“Fruity drink or beer?” Marcel asked.

“Ummm….. Fruity.” Porco nudged you forward and you walked up to the fridge, allowing you to look inside. “Oh, um…. I’ll go with the Strawberry Daquiri thingy- it seems pretty tame.”

“Doesn’t even taste like alcohol,” Marcel agreed, grabbing it for you. He popped it into a koozie. You sipped on it a little as the movie got set up, and it wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door. Porco hopped over to it and answered, grabbing the pizza and paying for it, setting it on the table.

“Dinner’s ready!” He called out. “I worked so hard on it, everyone say thank you.”

“Thank-”

Pieck covered your mouth, preventing you from finishing.

“Don’t thank him when I did all of the work,” She jokingly teased, releasing your face.

“T-Thank you, Pieck!” You said, much to Porco’s dismay.

Marcel was the first to grab his food and settle down in the living room.

“Hurry up, you people, I’m ready to rock and roll!” He declared. You chuckled and let the other’s grab their slices before you grabbed yours, heading back into the living room. Marcel was on the couch, Pieck lounging by his side, and Porco had taken up one of the chairs, which left an admittedly comfortable looking beanbag chair for you to claim.

Porco had dragged the chair next to him, slightly in front of him, so that you’d have a good view of the tv.

“Come on and sit down- one of the best seats in the house,” He told you. You sat down in the chair, and indeed, it was truly a comfortable seat worthy of sitting in- comfier than you thought it would be.

Marcel grabbed the remote.

“Everyone ready?” He asked. With a hum sounding off from everyone, he hit play and the movie began in all of its glory.

Your jaw was nearly on the floor the entire movie. For a zombie apocalypse movie, the story had captured your heart with its complexity- but most importantly, the horror had enraptured you! The gore! The scares! The Horror! Oh! Phenomenal!

Porco tapped your shoulder and motioned for you to look at the couch. Both Pieck and Marcel had fallen asleep together, and you hadn’t even noticed since you were so into the movie.

Porco stifled a laugh as he got up and moved over to Pieck, gently waking her up, but before she could reach to wake up her boyfriend, Porco stopped her. After an exchange of silent words, she gave up and stood up quietly, stretching. She gave you a sleepy wave, quietly telling you goodnight before making her way to Marcel’s room.

Shooting you a wink, Porco stepped back before jumping onto the couch and onto his brother. You watched as Marcel startled awake, looking as if his soul almost left him. You covered your mouth as Marcel shoved Porco off of him and onto the floor, the blonde laughing his head off.

Marcel grumbled as he got up.

“I’m going to bed,” He announced, giving his brother a kick as he passed by. He gave you a small wave before he moped off to his room. Porco looked up at you.

“So, what’s the plan, (L/N)? Spend the night or go back to your place?” He asked.

You froze. On one hand, it was late and he looked tired, and you didn’t want to make him drive, but on the other hand, you’d only known them for a few weeks and you didn’t want to feel like-

“Hey! I see those gears turning,” Porco told you as he sat up. “Watch this neat lil trick.”

You watched as he stood up and he revealed that the couch was actually a futon. He gave it a pat before turning to you.

“See? We got a place for you to sleep,” He assured you. You stiffened in your seat.

“I don’t want to impose,” You attempted to argue, but he shook his head.

“We have people over all the time,” he explained to you. “It’s no problem at all.” You sighed, giving in. You didn’t even really feel like trekking home at this time of night either.

“Consider me convinced,” You sighed, a yawn following close after.

“Here, I‘ll grab something for you to wear,” He said as he walked off to his room. Few minutes later, he returned with a plain tshirt and sweatpants that you could wear to bed. You accepted them with a shy smile.

“Thank you,” You spoke quietly.

“Bathrooms down the hall, my door is on the right of the hallway if you need anything,” He explained.

“Thank you, I hope you sleep well- and sorry for staying over so late-”

“How’d you enjoy the movie?”

“Oh! I loved the movie! It was amazing!”

“Then you staying late was worth it,” He assured you. “Quit fretting about it, I like your company.” He paused for a moment, yawning. “Anyways, get comfy, do whatever you want- I’m gonna go to bed now. G’Night!”

“Good night,” You spoke softly as Porco made his way to his room.

You waited for Porco to close his door before you made your way to the bathroom so you could change and get ready for bed.

***************************

Porco fought every urge in his body to scream. GOD he liked you so much- and he’d only known you for a few weeks! Something about you was so magnetic to him, he couldn’t resist!

He laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

You were going to be the death of him if you continued to dare to be so- so….. so adorable! He cursed you for how cute you were!

If he had any chance with you… he was going to have to play his cards carefully….. and find a way to not ruin his friendship with you.

Tag List: @lilshades @missyasma

#porco x reader #porco galliard x reader #galliard x reader #aot x reader #snk x reader

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