I'm Eren Yeager

Chapter 87: After Dark



Here goes nothing... Now after you've read this do tell me your thoughts about the chapter just curious ngl. This chapter ass I had to do so many alterations in it and after an entire week I came with this shit so don't blame me. I hope you enjoy :(

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Mikasa's POV

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My hands fidgeted with the scarf around my neck, the familiar weight of it grounding me as my mind swirled. Tonight felt different. Too different.

Behind me, Petra hummed softly, her voice as light as the rustling of fabric. She held up dress after dress, tossing some aside and holding others up to the light like a jeweler inspecting precious stones.

"This one," she said suddenly, turning to me with a triumphant grin. She held up a black dress, its rich fabric catching the faint light filtering through the window. The scarlet embroidery along the hem shimmered like fire. "It's perfect. Trust me—Eren won't know what hit him."

I shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the dress and then back at her. "It's... too much," I murmured. My fingers tightened on the scarf.

Petra rolled her eyes, stepping closer. "Mikasa, it's a date, not a war. You don't need to look ready to fight Titans—you need to look... stunning." She winked, her tone teasing but kind.

The word date felt foreign, heavy on my shoulders. Eren and I had been through so much—blood, death, betrayal. This wasn't like us. Yet here I was, standing in a room full of dresses, preparing for something that felt fragile and terrifying.

"I don't know... If it'll suit someone like me ," I said, more to myself than to Petra.

"C'mon" she replied, setting the dress down and stepping closer. "He'll love it trust me."

Her words struck a chord deep within me. I glanced at the dress again, hesitating. Could I do this? I mean today was an important day for me. I didn't want to mess it up...

I exhaled slowly and nodded, reaching out to take the dress. "Alright," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Petra smiled, her eyes soft. "Good. Now, let's make him regret every second he ever doubted himself."

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"Fuckkkkkkkk... I can't do this!" Eren groaned, glaring at his reflection as though it were the source of all his problems. His hair, styled into chaotic spikes, looked like it had lost a battle with a lightning bolt.

His mismatched socks peeked out from beneath pointy shoes that screamed poor life choices, and his usual laced shirt hung awkwardly over a pair of cargo shorts that didn't match anything.

He stormed into Levi's room, throwing the door open so hard it slammed against the wall. "Levi! Help me!" he shouted, charging forward like a desperate man.

Levi, seated calmly in his chair with a cup of tea, barely glanced up before Eren launched himself at him, wrapping him in a dramatic bear hug.

"Big brother! Save me!" Eren whined, his voice muffled as he buried his face into Levi's shoulder with his wide, pleading eyes shimmering like a lost puppy's.

"Asshole, get off me," Levi barked, his tone razor-sharp as he planted a firm palm on Eren's forehead, trying to shove him off.

But Eren's grip was unrelenting. He clung to Levi like a barnacle to a ship, his fingers clutching the pristine fabric of Levi's coat with reckless abandon.

"Fucker," Levi growled, his jaw tightening as he tried to twist free. "My clothes—you're going to rip them, you damn ape!"

"Levi, help me!" Eren wailed, his emerald eyes locking onto Levi's steely blue ones, brimming with exaggerated panic. "I don't know what to wear. I'm going to screw this up..."

"The fuck are you talking about dick head..." Levi protested almost freeing himself.

"My date... my date with Mikasa..." Eren blushed as he replied.

"Tch..." Levi scoffed looking at him with his usual bored and stoic expression.

"Levi.... Are you seriously going to abandon me— After everything we've been through. You're telling me you're just going to throw away ten years of brotherhood?!"

Levi stood frozen, his expression as cold and unyielding as the castle walls. His silence lingered like a winter frost before he finally let out a sharp scoff.

"You disloyal fuck face. Go to that Mikasa of yours—the one you were ready to fight me for, you idiot." His voice was calm but the cutting edge of his words hit their mark.

"Ah..." Eren gasped, Levi's dismissal hitting him like a stray punch. His grip slackened as he slumped forward, his dramatic flair momentarily dimmed.

"But Levi!" he cried out, his voice trembling with theatrical despair. "Do you really want me to embarrass myself? Do you want your legacy—The Ackerman Legacy—to end with me showing up in mismatched socks?!"

Sigh

"You're hopeless. Utterly hopeless," he muttered, his tone flat yet edged with the faintest whisper of tolerance.

Levi's gaze was flat as ever, but his voice sharper than broken glass. "Get your filthy hands off me. And take off your damn clothes."

He stood, brushing imaginary dust from his coat as he sized Eren up like he was looking at a poorly made scarecrow. "You look like a circus act that got rejected for being too pathetic."

Levi sighed, long and deeply irritated, before walking to a chest tucked neatly in the corner of the room. He flipped it open and started rummaging through its contents, his movements brisk and methodical.

"Here," Levi said, tossing a sleek long-sleeved black shirt at Eren. "Put this on. And those shorts—burn them. Now." He threw a pair of black trousers onto the bed without even looking up.

Eren caught the clothes, blinking in confusion.

"Get over it," Levi snapped, already pulling out a polished pair of boots. "Put them on before I decide you're not worth the trouble."

Eren didn't argue. He quickly stripped out of his chaotic ensemble, throwing the offending pieces to the floor, and slipped into the black shirt and trousers. The fabric was sleek, the fit precise, and the look... surprisingly good.

Levi turned to inspect him, his eyes narrowing like a hawk's. "At least you don't look like you crawled out of a gutter anymore," he muttered, handing Eren the boots. "Now put these on and don't embarrass yourself—or me."

As Eren fumbled to get the boots on, Levi picked up a comb from the desk and walked over. Without warning, he grabbed Eren by the shoulder and forced him into his chair.

"Huh? What are you—"

"Stay still," Levi ordered, his tone brooking no argument. He ran the comb through Eren's messy hair with ruthless efficiency, flattening the spikes into something clean and respectable.

When Levi was finished, he stepped back, arms crossed as he gave Eren one final inspection. "There. Now you look like someone who knows how to tie their own shoelaces."

Eren glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his mouth slightly agape. The black suit looked dashing on him, his hairstyle neatly parted from the side looking much like that of Levi's but longer. "Damn..."

"Tch," Levi scoffed, already turning away. "Don't let it go to your head, idiot. And don't mess up."

Eren stood, grinning but his voice was conveying dead honesty,"Thanks, Levi. It means a lot."

Levi didn't respond, his back already turned as he picked up his tea again. "If you trip and fall in front of her, don't come crying to me." he said flatly, sipping his tea as though nothing had happened.

"You got it..." Eren chuckled giving him a thumbs up.

"Hey, Levi, there's something else I wanted to ask—" His voice dropped, the playful tone replaced by a soft seriousness that made Levi glance up.

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The moonlight spilled across his face, highlighting his sharp features as he stared out at the night. His lips curved into a faint smile, but his voice was almost a whisper when he spoke again. "Do you think it'll work?"

Levi leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "Seriously?" His tone was flat, though the slight narrowing of his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.

Eren nodded, still staring out at the glowing city below. "Yeah. I mean… do you really think she'll—"

"Erennnn!"

Petra's voice, sharp and exasperated, cut through the tension like a knife. Both Ackermans turned their heads toward the doorway as she marched in, her expression a mix of anger and frustration.

Her fiery eyes could have rivaled any commander's glare as she crossed her arms, tapping her foot for added effect.

"Do you have any idea how late you are?" she scolded, storming toward Eren and grabbing him by the ear with an iron grip.

"Ow, ow, Petra!" Eren yelped, stumbling backward, but Petra was relentless. "I'm sorry, I was just talking to Levi!"

Petra sighed heavily," You're impossible..." Eren chuckled slightly before his gaze shifted at the doorway where Mikasa stood wide-eyed staring at him with both shock and awe.

She wore a sleek black dress that mirrored his own dark attire, its simplicity only accentuating her natural elegance. Her long hair framed her face perfectly, brushing against her shoulders, while her pale skin seemed to glow softly in the moonlight.

Her crimson scarf—one that had been the subject of much debate—was wrapped snugly around her neck. Her gray eyes, framed by her dark, delicate brows, were fixed on him, unblinking.

She wore a pair of modest heels, not too high nor too low, and a soft blush dusted her cheeks, though whether it was natural or from Petra's efforts, Eren couldn't tell, he swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.

"Mikasa…" Petra muttered, breaking the spell. She darted to Mikasa's side, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at her nose. "You've got a nosebleed! You can't be doing this when it's your big night!"

"What?!" Mikasa blinked, startled, her hand reaching up to her nose only to find crimson staining her fingers. Her gaze darted back to Eren, who was now standing there frozen, his cheeks burning as he processed how stunning she looked.

"Oi. Romeo." Levi's voice cut in dryly as he flicked a handkerchief toward Eren. The sharp motion snapped him out of his daze.

Eren's brow furrowed as he touched his own face—and sure enough, his fingers came away red.

"Shit, shit, shit…" he muttered, fumbling to clean himself up.

Mikasa, meanwhile, was doing the same, dabbing furiously at her nose as she tried not to meet Eren's gaze.

"Fuck…" they both thought in unison, hearts racing as they simultaneously cursed themselves.

"She looks so… I should've thought of something better to wear," Eren berated himself silently, while Mikasa mirrored his panic.

"I should've tied my hair up… Why didn't I tie my hair up?"

Levi leaned against the chair, watching the scene unfold with an expression that could only be described as exhausted amusement. "Brats." he muttered.

After what seemed like an eternity, the two finally managed to clean themselves up, though the blush on their faces refused to fade. Standing just a few feet apart, Eren and Mikasa fidgeted awkwardly, the air thick with tension.

Steam practically rose from their flushed faces as their gazes stayed glued to the floor, both staring intently at each other's shoes.

"Kupvh…" Eren's voice cracked pitifully the moment he tried to speak. His throat tightened in betrayal, and he froze, wide-eyed and mortified.

(-1000000000000000000 Aura)

"Fuck, fuck, fuck… Die asshole… Why now? Why now?!" he cursed inwardly, his fists clenching at his sides.

Levi and Petra exchanged a quick glance, their lips twitching as they fought the overwhelming urge to burst into laughter. Petra even bit down on her knuckle, while Levi covered his mouth with a subtle cough. They knew better than to let even a single chuckle escape—they valued their lives far too much.

Eren exhaled sharply, trying to regain his composure. He rubbed the back of his neck, taking a shaky breath before speaking again, his voice softer now.

"So… Sorry you had to wait…" he murmured, his words slow and deliberate.

Mikasa finally looked up, though her eyes only managed to meet his for the briefest second before darting away again. She clutched her scarf, her fingers fidgeting with the soft fabric. "I… It's alright. I… I don't mind…"

An awkward silence fell between them again, broken only by the sound of Levi muttering something under his breath, probably a snide remark he chose not to fully voice.

"You... You look really beautiful Mikasa...," Eren said, forcing the words out before he could overthink them any further, making her turn deep crimson.

"Thank you... Petra helped me dress up…" Mikasa's response was barely audible, but she nodded, her hands tightening their grip on her scarf as if it could somehow anchor her.

"Ereh... You look really handsome as well..." Mikasa muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks turned a vivid shade of pink as she tugged her scarf higher to cover her blush.

Her shy admission stirred something deep within him, sending his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat he couldn't control.

"Ye... Yeah... Levi helped me and he's..." he stammered, his awkwardness almost endearing.

"It doesn't matter, Ereh... You'd look good in anything, anyways." she murmured cutting him off immediately.

Levi, sitting a few paces away, sighed heavily, clearly unbothered by Mikasa's thinly veiled grudge against him but visibly tired of the atmosphere. "You hormonal idiots," he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Your cart is already waiting outside. Leave before I puke."

Eren chuckled awkwardly, glancing back at Levi before returning his gaze to Mikasa. The corners of his lips curled into a small, genuine smile. "Kay then... Shall we?"

Gathering his courage, he extended his hand toward her. Mikasa's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she stared at his open palm.

Swallowing her nervousness, she reached out, her cold fingers brushing against his warm ones. The sensation sent a jolt through her, his touch steadying her in ways she hadn't realized she needed.

As they walked side by side toward the waiting cart through the hallway, Eren caught Armin's gaze in the distance. His best friend grinned at him, giving an encouraging thumbs-up, his bright azure eyes brimming with affection and happiness. Eren smiled back, a silent exchange of gratitude and understanding passing between them.

The castle doors creaked as they stepped into the cool night air, the stars above twinkling faintly against the dark canvas of the sky. The gentle clatter of hooves echoed in the distance, and the soft glow of the lanterns lit their path as they left the castle behind.

She was the first one to enter the cart and Eren followed suit with a deep breath sitting beside her, since sitting infront of her would make it look kinda weird since it was a date.

The cart swayed gently as the night's chill settled in, and Mikasa adjusted her scarf, more out of habit than cold. The silence between them wasn't awkward—it carried the weight of unsaid emotions, brimming with possibilities.

Eren glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his hand resting loosely on his knee. "Um" he began, his voice breaking the quiet, "Sorry for suddenly asking you out, but I thought it'd be nice to fulfill my promise."

Mikasa turned to him, her gray eyes softening. "No it's alright. Anywhere with you is enough."

Her words caught him off guard, and he quickly looked away, scratching the back of his neck. The faintest hint of red touched his cheeks.

The sound of hooves and the creak of the cart wheels filled the silence again as the lantern-lit roads shifted into darker, tree-lined paths.

Mikasa leaned out slightly, her fingers gripping the edge of the seat. The cool air brushed against her face as she glanced out the window, the soft glow of fireflies began to appear in the distance, dotting the edges of the path.

Eren hesitated for a moment before leaning against the seat, his voice quieter now. " I'm not so good at these things... So forgive me if I mess up..."

Mikasa blushed yet managed to smile softly, sliding her hand under his, moving her other hand to cup his cheek, happy to see how flustered he was," Hey Eren... Please stop with the formalities it's just me."

"Um... Sorry it's just tonight means a lot for me. So... So I just want it to be perfect." he stuttered slightly, a bit frustrated at how much he sucked at this.

Soon the cart slowed, the sound of hooves shifting to a soft clatter as they came to a stop. Eren hopped down first, his boots crunching softly on the gravel. Without hesitation, he turned and extended his hand.

"Come on" he said, his voice low but carrying a nervous undertone.

Mikasa slid her hand into his, letting him help her down. His touch lingered for a moment longer than necessary before he stepped aside.

She blinked, taking in the sight before her. The cart had halted in front of a small, cozy restaurant. Soft golden light spilled from the windows, glowing warmly against the cool night.

The gentle hum of quiet conversation and the occasional clink of glassware drifted through the slightly ajar door. A small wooden sign swung above the entrance, etched with delicate lettering: The Lantern's Glow.

Eren cleared his throat, pulling her attention back to him. "I know it's nothing fancy, but I thought... it might be nice. Just for the two of us."

Mikasa's lips curved into a small, sincere smile. "It's perfect, Eren."

Relief flickered in his green eyes, and he gestured toward the entrance.

Together, they stepped toward the warm glow of the restaurant, their shadows stretching behind them as they left the cool night air for the quiet, inviting interior.

The soft chime of a bell greeted them as they pushed open the wooden door, stepping into the restaurant's warm embrace. Inside, the atmosphere was quiet and serene, a stark contrast to the chilly night outside.

Small, flickering lanterns adorned each table, casting a soft glow that danced across the walls. The scent of freshly baked bread and herbs lingered in the air, comforting and inviting.

Eren hesitated, glancing around as if searching for someone. A kind-looking older woman approached, her apron slightly dusted with flour, and gave them a welcoming smile.

"Good evening, Master Yeager" she said gently, her voice as warm as the ambiance. Eren smiled seeing her. "Table for two?" she asked.

Eren nodded, his hands fidgeting slightly at his sides. "Yeah. But somewhere quiet would be better."

The woman smiled knowingly, leading them toward a small corner table by the window. Mikasa's eyes followed the glowing lanterns strung above, their soft light making the moment feel like something out of a dream.

Eren pulled out a chair for her, his movements a bit stiff but earnest. Mikasa blinked, her heart skipping at the small gesture, and she sat down carefully, her scarf still snug around her neck, as Eren sat across.

The table was simple but elegant—a small vase with a single white lily stood in the center, its petals catching the light. Mikasa let her fingers trace the edge of the tablecloth, her gaze flickering to Eren, who seemed to be battling a mixture of nerves and determination.

"So… this place," she said, breaking the silence. "Have you been here before?"

Eren shook his head, leaning back slightly. "Yeah. Quite a few times with Levi." He said smiling, avoiding her gaze. "I thought you might like it."

Her heart softened at his words, and she tilted her head slightly, studying him. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"It's not trouble," he said quickly, his green eyes finally meeting hers. There was a sincerity in his voice that made her chest tighten. " I did it happily."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the soft murmur of the restaurant filling the space between them. The lantern light reflected in Mikasa's gray eyes, and Eren couldn't help but stare, feeling a strange but comforting sense of peace in her presence.

The server appeared, placing a small pitcher of water on the table along with two glasses. "Take your time," she said kindly, retreating without interrupting their quiet moment.

Mikasa took a sip of water, her scarf still partly hiding her face. Eren chuckled softly, leaning his elbows on the table. "You're really attached to that thing, huh?"

She blinked, then touched her scarf instinctively. "Its warm..." she said simply, her cheeks flushed faintly, though she wanted to say more but couldn't.

He smiled, his gaze softening. "It suits you."

Mikasa looked down, a small smile tugging at her lips as her fingers toyed with the edge of the scarf. There was something about his voice—genuine and unguarded—that made her feel like she could stay in this moment forever.

Eren's gaze shifted at the menu reminding him that they should order something since she might be hungry, or he was at least.

Thus they began perusing the menu, their conversation remained easy and unhurried. The world outside faded into the background, leaving only the soft glow of the lanterns, the gentle clink of silverware in the distance, and the quiet comfort they found in each other's presence.

Soon the old women returned, her warm smile never faltering as she placed a small bread basket on the table. "Ready to order?"

Eren glanced at Mikasa, who was staring intently at the menu as if she didn't want to make the wrong choice. He cleared his throat, trying to mask his awkwardness. "Uh, I think we're ready?"

Mikasa looked up, her face barely visible behind the scarf, and gave a small nod. "I'll have the vegetable stew and some salad please. " she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Eren handed the menus back to the server. "Same for me. And, uh… whatever dessert you recommend."

The woman chuckled knowingly. "Good choice. I'll bring out something sweet after your meal." She gave them a friendly nod and disappeared back into the kitchen.

As the minutes passed, the room settled into a comfortable rhythm. Eren tapped his fingers against the table, his eyes flicking toward Mikasa now and then. She noticed but didn't call him out, finding his fidgeting oddly endearing.

When their meals arrived, steam rose from the bowls, carrying the aroma of herbs and spices. Mikasa took a cautious sip, the warmth spreading through her instantly. "It's good," she said simply, her eyes meeting his.

Eren smiled, relieved. "Glad you like it."

They ate in quiet harmony, exchanging occasional glances and soft smiles. Eren stole a moment to watch her as she focused on her food, the soft lantern light casting a golden hue across her face.

When the server returned with two small slices of cake, Mikasa's eyes widened slightly, and looked down.

"Eat up..." Eren said taking a bite, but she nodded in disagreement, "Um... I'm full hehe..."

Eren looked at her with a soft smile, his hand gently reaching up to pat her hair. "I bet Petra's already given you a hundred instructions about what you should or shouldn't do," he said, his tone light and teasing.

Then his voice softened, carrying a warmth that made her heart flutter. "But you know what? I love the simple Mikasa—just you, more than anything else. So don't overthink it, okay? Eat whatever you want, as much as you want. You don't need anyone's rules to make me happy."

His statement as simple as it was made tears of joy leave her eyes and without thinking more she picked up her fork, taking a small bite. The sweetness melted on her tongue, and she let out a nod in approval her tears spilling down her cheeks and onto the table.

'Shit I was just trying to not act nervous.' Eren thought inwardly.

"Thank you, Eren. For all this." she said softly, pulling him out of his thoughts, eyes fixed at him as she used a napkin to wipe away her tears.

Mikasa's tears gradually subsided, leaving behind a quiet serenity in her features. As they began eating, it quickly became apparent who was truly enjoying the meal. Mikasa savored every bite, her soft smiles and contented sighs speaking volumes.

Meanwhile, Eren barely touched his food. His attention was elsewhere—captivated by the way the faint candlelight danced across her face, highlighting her delicate features. She looked breathtaking tonight, and he couldn't bring himself to look away.

When Mikasa finished the last bite, leaning back with a satisfied sigh, Eren finally stirred from his quiet admiration. He called over the kind elderly woman who had been so attentive throughout the evening.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Eren said, reaching for his wallet. "Could we get the bill, please?"

The old woman waved her hands in gentle protest, her eyes crinkling with a warm smile. "Oh, no, no Master Yeager. It's on the house tonight. My treat."

Eren blinked, momentarily taken aback by her generosity. But then he shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's really kind of you, but I insist." He placed the payment into her hands with quiet determination, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you for the wonderful meal."

With that, the two stepped outside, the door of the restaurant creaked softly as Eren held it open for Mikasa, stepping aside to let her pass.

The warmth of the interior melted into the cool embrace of the night air. Lanterns lined the quiet streets, their glow casting gentle pools of golden light that danced along the cobblestone path.

Mikasa tugged her scarf a little higher, her breath visible in the cold air as she stepped forward. Eren followed, his hands tucked into his pockets, a faint but warm smile lingering on his face.

"Ereh..." Mikasa's voice was soft, hesitant, as she stopped in her tracks, her gaze falling to the cobblestone street. Eren paused beside her, tilting his head slightly in confusion.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious.

She bit her lip, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Sorry... I didn't mean to cry like that... It's just..." Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her scarf. "I really loved it... what you said... back there..."

Before she could finish, Eren stepped closer, his movements deliberate yet tender. He slipped his arms around her in a soft embrace, resting his chin near her temple. "It's alright," he murmured, his voice steady and warm. "There's no need to apologize. I didn't mind it... not one bit."

Mikasa's breath hitched as his words settled over her, his presence soothing and grounding. Slowly, he pulled back, just enough to meet her eyes. The closeness lingered, a quiet connection forming between them.

"Did you enjoy tonight?" he asked after a moment, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

She nodded, her smile growing. "Yeah... I loved it," she said softly, sincerity shining in her eyes.

Eren's grip on her tightened slightly, catching her attention. She glanced up, her heart skipping as she noticed the faint determination in his expression.

"If you're alright with it," he began, his voice a little more confident now, "there's something I wanted to show you."

Mikasa's curiosity piqued, and she gave a gentle nod. "Okay."

Eren guided her toward the waiting cart, his hand never letting go of hers. The quiet creak of the wooden wheels and the soft neigh of the horse greeted them as they climbed in.

The night was cool and calm, the faint rustle of leaves accompanying the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestone street.

Mikasa hesitated for a moment before shifting closer, letting her head rest gently on Eren's shoulder. He stiffened briefly, caught off guard, but soon relaxed, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. Their hands remained entwined, her fingers warm against his.

The cart rolled onward, leaving the soft glow of lantern-lit streets behind. The town slowly gave way to open fields bathed in the pale silver of moonlight. The air grew crisper, carrying the faint scent of earth and dew. Mikasa closed her eyes briefly, her breathing steady, her heart calmer than it had been in a long while.

Soon the cart came to a gentle halt at the base of a hill. Eren stepped out first, turning to offer Mikasa his hand. She took it without hesitation, their palms fitting together as naturally as if they had always belonged that way.

They began their ascent, the quiet hill bathed in the glow of a starry sky. The air was still, save for the occasional whisper of the wind through the grass. Each step felt deliberate, the world around them fading into the background, leaving only the sound of their footsteps and the subtle rustle of wildflowers brushing against their ankles.

When they reached the crest of the hill, Mikasa's breath caught in her throat. The land stretched endlessly before them, a dark canvas dotted with the shimmering silver of stars that seemed close enough to touch. The gentle rise and fall of the meadow below was awash in moonlight, each blade of grass glistening faintly like tiny jewels.

Eren stood silently for a moment, his hand still holding hers, before finally letting out a soft breath. "I wanted to show you this... " he said quietly, his voice steady yet filled with an almost boyish wonder.

Mikasa nodded, her eyes fixed on the endless expanse of stars. "It's beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eren glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah... it is." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, the words unspoken but clear in his eyes.

Eren slowly lowered himself onto the soft grass, his fingers brushing against the cool, damp earth beneath him. The ground felt alive, grounding him in this fleeting moment. His gaze drifted upward to the star-flecked sky, his eyes half-closed, and a faint smile tugged at his lips as the gentle breeze tousled his hair.

"I... I used to come here as a kid," he began softly, his voice carried by the night wind. "When things got overwhelming... I'd just sit here and let it all melt away... " His voice trailed off as his eyes opened, falling on Mikasa.

The moonlight painted her face in a soft glow, her features serene and radiant. She looked down at him with a tender smile that made his chest ache in the best way.

"Come here," Eren murmured, patting the grass beside him. Mikasa silently nodded and settled beside him, her gaze drawn upward to the endless expanse of stars.

Without hesitation, her head found its place on his shoulder, while he kept her close.

"You're not cold, are you?" Eren asked, his voice low and steady as his eyes lingered on the stars above, a faint smile pulling at the corners of his lips. The vast expanse of the sky seemed both endless and distant, much like the thoughts swirling in his mind.

Mikasa hesitated for a moment, then nodded softly. "Um... a bit," she murmured, her breath forming a faint cloud in the crisp night air.

Without a word, Eren shifted, his hands firm yet gentle as he lifted her onto his lap. Mikasa's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing from more than just the cold. The sudden movement caught her off guard, but as her arms instinctively looped around his neck, she relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Better?" he asked, his voice laced with a tenderness that made her heart stutter.

She nodded, leaning in closer until the tip of her nose brushed against his cheek, her warmth mingling with his. "Better," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the faint rustle of the wind.

They sat in silence after that, the world around them fading into stillness. Eren's eyes remained on the stars, their soft glow reflected in his gaze, but Mikasa's focus never wavered. Her world, her anchor, was right there—within the steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth of his touch, and the quiet strength he exuded.

Eren's hand moved almost absentmindedly, threading through her hair with a hypnotic rhythm. Each gentle stroke seemed to smooth away the tension she hadn't realized she was holding. Mikasa closed her eyes, her forehead resting against his temple, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself drift—anchored only by him.

The stars above watched silently, witnesses to a fleeting moment of peace between two souls who had weathered storms far too great for their years.

"Sometimes, Ereh" Mikasa's voice broke the silence that stretched between them, "I wish we could just go back. Get small again, like we used to be... and live normal lives with our mom and dad."

"Hm..." He replied.

She blushed slightly but managed to smile, "Hey, Eren?"

"Yeah?" His voice was calm, though his gaze remained at the sky.

"Do you miss them?" she asked, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

This time, Eren turned to her, his expression soft yet resolute. He nodded. "Every day."

The night seemed to grow quieter around them, the world shrinking until it was just the two of them sitting under the stars, holding onto each other as if that alone could keep the weight of their losses at bay.

Eren's soft voice almost a melody to her ears, carried his grief,. "After I lost mom... I sat here, and I cried until there was nothing left." In this very place Eren found solace and peace, letting his burdens, his regrets, just dissolve.

She smiled gently at him, noticing how he wore that innocent grin, like a fragile mask hiding the storm of pain and agony underneath. It was a look that broke her heart a little every time.

"It's alright" she murmured, her voice soft but firm as she shifted on his lap, adjusting until they were face-to-face. Her hands settled firmly on his shoulders, grounding him.

His gaze flickered to hers, unsure, vulnerable. She leaned in closer, her hands moving upward, her fingers weaving through the strands of his hair. With a tender pull, she guided him to her, letting his face rest against her chest as she wrapped him in a slow, deliberate hug.

"My Eren," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against his raw edges, "the next time you want to cry, don't hold it in. Just tell me. I'll be here for you... to hold you. Always. Okay?"

Her words melted the tension in his frame, and his arms tightened around her. For a while, they stayed that way, wrapped in an embrace that said more than words ever could.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were softer, his expression less guarded. He nodded slightly, his voice quiet but sincere. "Um... Okay," he said, his hands naturally settling at her waist as if they belonged there, grounding himself in her presence.

Mikasa smiled, brushing her thumb against his cheek, silently promising she meant every word.

Eren couldn't help but smile, captivated by how effortlessly kind and thoughtful Mikasa was. The warmth she radiated seemed to fill every corner of the cold night.

"Br—" he began, but stopped himself, catching her attention.

"Hm?" Mikasa tilted her head slightly, her hands cupping his cheeks.

Eren cleared his throat, his heart stammering against his ribcage. "Beautiful... I mean... Mika, you look really beautiful tonight."

Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she averted her gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Eren... And, um... you look really handsome and—cute... tonight."

"Eh?" His eyes widened in disbelief, caught completely off guard.

The color in her face deepened, and she quickly turned away, embarrassed by her own words. Eren blinked, trying to process what he just heard, and then, to Mikasa's dismay, a soft chuckle escaped him.

Her reaction was instant. She buried her face into his chest, groaning softly. "Ereh... Don't laugh like that... Stop... It's embarrassing."

"Ah, sorry," he apologized, though his laughter still lingered in his voice. His hand moved gently through her hair, an instinctive gesture to comfort her. "It's just... I think this is the first time I've ever heard a girl call me cute."

Mikasa's flustered smile faltered, and she froze. Slowly, she pulled back, fixing him with a glare that could rival a storm. Her steel-gray eyes locked onto his with an unsettling intensity.

"What do you mean, 'first time'? Have other girls been complimenting you besides me? Who is it or Who are they?" Her voice was calm, but the chill in her tone sent a shiver straight down his spine.

"N-no! There's no such girl!" Eren stammered, his hands shooting up defensively. "I swear, Mikasa! I didn't mean it like that!"

Her expression softened, the dangerous glint in her eyes vanishing. She sighed, seemingly satisfied. "Oh. Alright, then... I trust Eren."

The tension faded, replaced by a quiet warmth between them. As her gaze shifted, Mikasa noticed how pale his skin looked under the faint light, almost ghostly. She placed her hand on his cheek, her brows furrowing at the icy chill of his skin.

Without hesitation, she unraveled her scarf and wrapped it around both their necks, pulling him close until their foreheads lightly touched. The warmth of the shared scarf seeped into his cold skin, and Eren couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude.

"It's warm, isn't it?" she whispered, her voice soft as her forehead slid, resting against his temple.

"Yeah," he replied, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he wrapped his arms around her. In that moment, she seemed so delicate, so full of quiet love, that it made him want to hold her forever, shielding her from everything harsh in the world.

"People think it's just a piece of fabric... and when I was a cadet I was considered a psychopath for always clinging to it." she began, her fingers brushing the scarf they shared. Her voice quivered slightly, betraying the depth of her feelings.

"But to me… it's more than that. It's everything. For all these years, this scarf reminded me that no matter how cold and cruel this world became, it would always keep me warm and always protect me—because it came from you, my most dearest... my most beloved."

Her words melted his heart, his eyes filled with awe and love, before he could even process the thought, his body moved on instinct. He pulled her close, their breaths mingling and her wide eyes blinked as her nose slides against his, and she does not register what is happening until he closes the space between them completely and presses his lips to hers.

And she freezes.

And she doesn't know what to do.

But shortly thereafter, she can no longer think, because her brain is only capable of focusing on his warmth, and the feel of his lips, which are soft, yet frosted and slightly wet due to the cold.

When they push lightly against hers, she finds her eyes sliding shut of their own volition, head tilting to mould better to his form and press back of its own volition, her hands loosely wrap around his neck, they stay like that for a while- but then he pulls back, forehead still pressed to hers, leaving her in a light headed daze.

"Ereh... Please..." she whispered, her voice trembling, filled with longing, heart wanting more, brain unable to process anything, his hand brushing her cheek, eyes fixed at her with something she couldn't comprehend.

"It's crazy isn't it Mika... How one random day.... We met and you instantly became everything to me..." He whispered pressing her body against his, "Overnight you became my world..."

And she smiles at his words because they are sweet and filled with nostalgia," And now I can't imagine a life without you..." He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her twitching nose, his lips tender and warm against her ice cold skin.

Her tears start to fall once again, his words piercing through her like an arrow. Her heart pounded wildly, every beat echoing his sincerity. "Mika... You're the first person I wanna look when I wake up, and the only one I wanna kiss goodnight."

He reached for her trembling hand, his fingers interlocking with hers. His grip was unsteady, yet it carried a profound certainty.

His own tears began to fall, tracing silent paths down his cheeks, and she could see it—the raw honesty in his words, the unfiltered emotion he couldn't hold back. Every syllable carried the weight of his heart, and she understood just how much courage it had taken for him to bare himself so vulnerably to her.

"I want to hug you from dusk till dawn and breathe in every exhale you take." His breath hitched as he continued to pour his heart in every single word that left his mouth. "Your hands I can't imagine not being able to hold them."

All she could do was look at him while Eren showed how much she actually meant for him, that he never doubted his affection for her. "You're my home. You're my sanctuary. You're my haven..."

"You're my soulmate, Mika. You and you alone. That's why…" His voice broke slightly, but he pressed on, his resolve unshaken. "Mikasa Ackerman, will you marry me and become mine forever?"

"Eh?" Her breath hitched, her teary eyes widening. For a moment, she stared at him, her gaze darting between his tear-streaked face and the small white box he held. The box glowed faintly in the moonlight, its simple elegance captivating.

Her eyes flickered back to Eren's tear-streaked face, and her breath caught. She tried to wipe her own tears away, but they just wouldn't stop flowing. It felt surreal—did Eren really just propose to her? Her mind reeled, unable to fully grasp the moment.

Mikasa pressed her free hand against her mouth, stifling her sobs, her tears streaming relentlessly as she stared at the glistening box. "Um..." she finally nodded, her voice trembling with emotion.

Eren's lips curved into a shaky smile, his hands trembling as he opened the small white box in his palm. Inside, the ring glinted under the moonlight—a turquoise blue band, polished to perfection, crowned with a vibrant emerald stone that shimmered, mirroring the color of Eren's eyes.

With shaky breaths and teary determination, Eren plucked the ring from its box, his courage bolstered as he reached for her hand. His fingers were unsteady as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, like it had always been meant for her.

It didn't feel real. It was a dream—too breathtaking, too perfect to belong to her. Eren thought the same as he stared into her tear-brimmed eyes. Both of them were caught in the weight of this moment, their breaths hitching as they dared to believe this was happening.

Her gaze returned to his face, finding him crying just as she was. But then his lips curled into a wide, genuine smile, a brightness that pierced through the veil of tears. He opened his arms, inviting her into the safety of his embrace.

"Ereh... My Ereh..." Her voice cracked with raw emotion, the words tumbling from her lips as she collapsed into him. She buried her face against his, holding onto him tightly, pinning him to the ground in her desperate need to be close.

The sound of his muffled sobs joined hers, the two of them entwined in a symphony of grief, joy, and love. Years of pain, longing, and separation melted away in the warmth of their embrace, leaving nothing but their shared truth.

Finally, amidst the choked breaths, Mikasa found her voice again. "I love you..." she whispered, her words heavy with all the love and devotion she had carried for him through every storm.

Eren's response came in the same breath, his voice trembling but resolute. "I've always loved you..."

Those words shattered the last of her walls, breaking through every lingering doubt or fear. She clung to him tighter, her tears soaking into his clothes, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was the warmth they shared and the love that bound them together. Even the moonlight above seemed dim compared to the glow between them.

Eren's eyes fluttered open briefly, catching movement in the distance. Standing at a respectful distance were Levi, Petra, and Armin. Levi held up a whiteboard with a single, blunt message scrawled across it:

"Brat... Even though you've been a pain in the ass, I love you. Let's get married, you idiot."

The sight made Eren's lips twitch into an amused smile. It was Levi's attempt to repay the favor—years ago, Eren had helped Levi confess to Petra using this exact method, and now Levi tried to help Eren to confess to her in his own weird way.

The sentiment might have been perfect, but Levi's bluntness had prompted Eren to abandon the script and speak from his heart instead.

And it worked. It all worked.

Eren's grip around Mikasa tightened as she continued to cry against him. He pressed his lips softly to her hair, his voice no more than a whisper. "You're mine now, Mikasa Yeager."

Her muffled reply came with a quiet, tearful laugh. "And you're mine, Eren Yeager."

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Ahh fuck..... It was a pain in the heart and in the ass writing this chapter 7.6k words never done that. And never wrote a chapter like this so don't mind me if it sucked but this was all I could ever think of. I hope you enjoyed it. The next arc would start soon or tomorrow. Now tell me how was it?

:^]


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