Attack On Titan: Goodbyes

Mikasa's POV

"Ereh... Ereh..." My hazy voice barely rose above a whisper as I lay atop him, cradled together on a hammock swaying gently beside our wooden cabin.

The crisp autumn morning wrapped around us, the faint rustling of amber leaves and the distant call of birds creating a serene symphony.

As the first golden rays of sunlight spilled through the canopy of trees, casting a soft glow over his calm face, I stirred. My eyes fluttered open, catching the peaceful rise and fall of his chest.

I gave him a slight shake, urging him to move inside if he wanted to sleep more. Slowly, his eyelids lifted, revealing tired yet tender eyes. A faint, exhausted smile spread across his lips, and it was enough to make my cheeks flush warm in the brisk morning air.

Leaning in, I pressed a gentle kiss to his soft lips, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment before gently slipping to the side. "Morning, cutie..." I murmured, my gaze lingering on him as he stretched languidly, his arms reaching up before settling securely around my waist.

"Morning," he replied, his voice deep, warm, and laced with contentment. That smile of his—genuine and unguarded—made my heart swell. I shifted slightly to the side, easing some of my weight off him while still staying close, my head resting lightly on his arm.

As my fingers traced soft circles on his cheeks, he gave me a curious look. "What?" he whispered, his smile widening as I stared at him.

"You look like a man now... with that tiny mustache and scruffy beard," I teased, watching as his lips parted in mock offense, a crimson hue creeping onto his face.

"Hey!" he protested, his tone both playful and indignant. I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. "I'm just kidding, Eren. You're already a big, strong man, beard or no beard." I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. "But… will Eren shave it for me? I kind of prefer you without it—you look more…"

Before I could finish, Eren leaned closer, his beard's hair brushing my skin as he placed a tender kiss on my cheek. "More?" he prompted, his whisper warm against my ear.

Flustered, I glanced away. "More… bangable," I blurted, instantly regretting my lack of shame. My cheeks burned, and I avoided his gaze, though I could feel him freeze beside me.

"Bangable?" he echoed, a mixture of surprise and amusement in his voice. His laughter came soft and genuine as he hugged me closer. "You really are something else, Mika…" he murmured, his voice brimming with affection.

I met his gaze, and for a moment, we simply smiled at each other, lost in the quiet intimacy of the morning. But his eyes soon drifted downward, softening as they settled on my swollen abdomen. His hand slid gently from my cheek to rest on my belly, his touch protective and reverent.

In these moments, I was reminded of just how much he did for us. Every meal he prepared, every errand he ran, every trip to the doctor he made—it was all for me and the little life growing inside me. The exhaustion etched into his features told the story of sleepless nights and relentless care.

"Don't worry, Mikasa… only two more months," he whispered, his lips brushing the tip of my nose. Yet, even as he smiled, I caught the shadow of a frown in his expression, the dullness in his eyes betraying his worry.

"What's wrong, Eren?" I asked softly, pulling him closer until our bodies touched, my hands cupping his warm, tired face.

"It's nothing," he murmured, his voice trailing off. But I knew him too well. The fear lingering behind his eyes wasn't for himself—it was for me, for the pain I'd soon face of delivery.

"Hey," I said, my voice firm yet reassuring. "Don't worry about that. Your wife is an Ackerman. She'll handle it with ease." I smiled at him, and though he didn't say a word, his expression softened as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Hungry?" he asked after a moment, breaking the silence.

I nodded eagerly.

"Curry?" he offered, his lips quirking up in a playful grin.

"Curry," I confirmed, my smile mirroring his as the warmth of the morning sun bathed us in light.

Soon we moved inside, and Eren immediately threw himself into cooking. I perched on the edge of the kitchen counter, swinging my legs idly as I kept him company, making sure neither of us fell into silence. The rich, earthy aroma of spices filled the air as he chopped vegetables with practiced ease.

"Hey, Mikasa," he began, his voice steady but curious starting our usual conversations "what was it like when you lived with your parents... before you got kidnapped?"

The question caught me off guard. I tilted my head, studying him as he worked, before a small, thoughtful smile softened my features. "It wasn't all pleasant. Dad was a hunter and mom grew vegetables." I admitted after a moment, my voice quieter.

"I mean... I really loved Mom and Dad, but life was hard. Dad was always struggling with debts since we didn't have much. Mom was loving, but... she always seemed so tired, so sad. They gave up everything—family, security—just because they loved each other."

Eren paused, setting down the knife sliding the contents in the dish allowing it to cook, and moved to sit beside me. His shoulder pressed lightly against mine, and I leaned my head on him, finding comfort in his presence. "Just like us," he murmured, his voice laced with tenderness.

I nodded, not sad exactly, but there was an ache in my chest as I revisited those fleeting memories. Part of me couldn't help but wonder why he asked this, out of everything. Yet, as the moments passed, I continued, letting the words flow.

"My parents were treated like outcasts because of their heritage. Dad was an Ackerman, and that made us... different. People looked down on us. But Uncle Grisha—he became one of Dad's closest friends. He'd visit us often, bringing warmth to our small home."

Eren's hand found its way to my hair, his touch gentle as he nodded in understanding. "I don't remember a lot about my time with them," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "But what I do remember... it was beautiful, even if it was fleeting."

My throat tightened as a surge of emotion rose within me, and before I could stop myself, I cupped his face with both hands, my heart racing. "And then... it happened. Mom and dad were killed—right in front of me. I couldn't do anything. I was just a scared, helpless little girl. And then I was kidnapped. Ready to be sold in the underground."

A tear slipped down my cheek, but Eren was already moving closer, his presence grounding me. His arms encircled me as I whispered, "And then I met him. My Eren. He saved me. He wrapped this scarf around me, gave me a new home... and I fell for him that day."

Eren raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a teasing grin. "Heh? Little Mikasa falling for me?" He leaned in and bit my cheek playfully, earning a startled laugh from me.

"Yeah," I admitted, rolling my eyes but unable to stop smiling.

"All I thought of you back then was this little crybaby who couldn't stop clinging to me," he teased, smirking.

I smirked back, unbothered. "Well, you supported me back then. And I really loved that."

Eren's grin widened, but a flicker of disbelief crossed his face when I added with a sly tone, "I was really happy when Aunt Carla said I could sleep in your room in your bed with you until my bed arrived... which never did. Because I begged Uncle Grisha not to buy one."

His eyes widened. "Wait, what? You're serious?"

I nodded smugly. "Yup. Got to share a bed with you for an entire year... until that Bertholdt ruined it all." I huffed, pouting as Eren's laughter filled the room. He pulled me closer, shaking his head in disbelief..

As the laughter faded, he moved closer, pulling me onto his lap. His arms wrapped snugly around me, and his gaze softened as he held me close. "You really are an idiot, Mikasa Yeager," he said, his tone affectionate despite the words.

"But you should know... I've always been grateful for you. Even back when I tried to push you away—thinking I needed to be stronger, to be the one protecting you."

His lips brushed against my lips again, sending a gentle warmth through me. I smiled, cupping his face with both hands. "My hero," I whispered, before hugging him tightly, nestling into the comfort of his embrace.

"Hey, Mika," he said after a moment, his voice playful, "Did I look cool back when we used to train? You know, using the ODM gear and all that back when we were cadets?"

My cheeks turned crimson at his question. I didn't want to admit it, but the truth slipped out anyway. "Ereh... I... I don't want to lie, but I wasn't really looking at you. I was... kind of looking at your butt every single time. It's the only time it was visible while you maneuvered."

Eren froze, his face flooding with color. "The fuck?!" he exclaimed, staring at me in disbelief. "Have you got no shame, woman?" He teased his grip tightening.

I shook my head, grinning mischievously. "Ereh... you have no idea the stuff I've done to you." My finger trailed down his cheek, and he gulped, his curiosity betraying him.

"Like... what?" he asked, his voice hesitant yet intrigued.

I smirked, leaning closer as the memories surfaced. "Like... Peeping in the bathroom while you bathed."

His jaw dropped, and his expression was a mix of disbelief and horror. "You're joking..."

But I wasn't finished. "Kissing you while you were asleep."

Eren's face burned brighter with each revelation. "Wait... What—"

I nodded, grinning wickedly.

"Idiot! Idiot!" he stammered, completely flustered.

"Well," I said, waving it off casually, "let bygones be bygones."

He sighed deeply, trying to process everything. "I can't believe it. The 'innocent' Mikasa was never innocent."

I smiled sweetly, leaning in closer. "But my Eren... I did all those things because I love you. And I always will."

His expression softened, a gentle smile replacing his flustered look. "Yeah, yeah," he replied, sighing, but I could see the affection in his eyes.

I reached out, grabbing his cheeks and squishing them playfully. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed," I teased, stretching his face like I always did.

"Hey." he protested doing the same to me. Suddenly, his tone shifting slightly. "Do you remember my fight with those kidnappers?"

I nodded, the memory vivid in my mind. "How could I forget? The way you saved me..."

"The way I killed them," he said with a grin, his voice carrying a strange mix of pride and nostalgia.

I looked at him curiously. "What about it?"

"Did you see how awesome I was back then?" His tone was smug, and I smirked, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Oh, yeah. Soooo awesome," I teased, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Eren leaned in closer, undeterred. "It was nothing. Just saved a helpless, weak girl single-handedly. No doubt I'm awesome."

I bit my lip, my tone playful and flirty. "Totally."

"You probably want to kiss me right now. Don't blame you. I'm just that awesome."

"Uh~hm..."I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop smiling.

"You're a lucky girl," he declared, his confidence unwavering.

"Yeah, soooo lucky," I played along, barely suppressing my laugh.

"Brace yourself," he said, leaning in before pressing his lips to mine.

The kiss deepened, every second sending my heart racing faster. His hands tightened around me as I clung to him, savoring the moment. My head spun as his lips moved against mine, stealing my breath and every coherent thought I had.

Sizzle.

"Shit!" Eren suddenly pulled back, his eyes widening. "The curry!"

He darted to the stove, frantically lifting the lid to reveal the charred remains of our breakfast. He groaned, running a hand through his hair.

We ended up eating fish. Again.