#hehehehehAHAHAHAHAHH

[annievrse]

midnight confessions

eren x reader —ᡣ𐭩 blurb c/w: canon divergence

"Can't you see that I've fallen for you? That I've been in love with you for the past 6 years?"

You stare at Eren dumbfounded, jaw slack and tears collecting in the corners of your eyes. Loose strands of hair blow in front of his face, but before you can push them away, he does it himself.

His confession came out of nowhere, and frankly, you weren't expecting him to yell it, either. His voice still echoes in the back streets of Marley.

Eren looks at you expectantly, like he believes you're capable of an answer. With red cheeks, he shakes his head gently. "But it's too late, isn't it?"

His voice is a whisper, but you want to tell him everything; that you do love him, that it's not too late to stop whatever keeps him up at night, and not too late to fall in love with the one person you've always wanted.

"Eren."

You reach for him, fingertips grazing his shoulders as he steps back. Eren doesn't meet your eyes, scrunching up his face before he turns around.

You call his name again, but he doesn't listen, walking down the street, away from the restaurant.

Looking up at the moon, you curse. It was either now or you'd lose him forever, and you'd be damned if you let that happen.

"I love you, too, you idiot!"

Your tall best friend freezes. The autumn air howls around you, and besides the melody of the band inside and a few teenagers laughing on the main street, it's silent.

Eren turns his head to the side and mumbles your name before sighing. "I need to go."

As if you got the wind knocked out of you, you gasp, tears pouring down your cheeks as you walk toward him. "No."

He steps to face you, eyes red with agony and green eyes swimming with grief. Eren grasps your forearms as you go to hit his chest with the little energy you have left - you knew this was coming, you all had.

"Why tell me you love me then?" You shout, voice breaking. "Why tell me and then leave?"

Eren looks at the stars. "I couldn't live with myself if I didn't tell you."

You scoff, and try to remove your arms from his hands. "Please don't go," You beg, basking in the feeling of his skin on yours for one last time. "We can fix this! No matter what it is."

Eren shook his head, thumbs rubbing circles on your pulse points. "I have to do this."

Not knowing what he's talking about, you panic. "Please," You cry. "What's going on, Eren?"

"I can't tell you, but just know it's all for you," He nods toward the restaurant. "And them."

"Why?" You ask.

"Because you're important to me, and I'd do everything to protect you," He sniffles, tears collecting on his chin. "I love you more than anything else."

You frown and close your eyes. With a burning throat, you nod and lower your arms, but Eren's grip never wavers.

"Do you promise to come back to me? After you've done what you need to?" You whisper, knowing you'd have to let him go.

Eren whines softly at your question, chest heavy with misery. His eyes flicker with doubt and suffering, and it takes everything in him not to tell you he won't be back. "I promise."

And with that, you shake your head, stand taller and push his hands off you. "Go then. I'll see you 'round."

Eren's jaw drops in disbelief, and he grapples with your hands, but you won't hold him any longer. "Hey-"

You get the strength to push his chest this time, and when you do, he stumbles, though you know he could've stopped if he wanted to.

"Go!"

It's quiet for a few moments, but then Eren wipes at his cheeks and nods. "I'll see you soon."

And when you walk back into the restaurant, eyes heavy and sniffling, everybody knows Eren up and left. Now, it was just a matter of when he would return and preparing for the worst.

part 2