Night calls

Chapter 9

A few minutes later that had passed in full silence, we arrived at the building I lived in.

Well they hadn't passed in full silence, since his teeth were rattling and it was still raining cats and dogs, but at least none of us had said anything. Still the silence didn't feel heavy, as I was used to it. It never once gave me a feeling of discomfort.

L: „ Ok, we've arrived."

And after looking at his trembling body.

L: „...I guess I'll help you out."

I pulled off the car keys, got out and rounded the car. Before opening Eren's door I paused. Was it really okay to let him in my apartment? After all I knew absolutely nothing about him. He could be a thief who staged all of this...

My eyes scanned him through the car window. He didn't really look like a thief. In fact he had more similarities with a drenched puppy...

I sighed. This boy wasn't a criminal anymore than I was and right know I doubted he was even in the condition to steal anything. Pushing these thoughts aside I quickly opened the door. What the brat needed right now was a god damn shower and hot tea. Or chocolate .. I dunno. I could still worry about everything else later.

Eren tried to get up by himself and this time he actually managed. With uncertain steps he started to walk besides me towards the door that would lead to the stairwell. He was probably not able to take the stairs in his condition and I've never been more thankful to see that the elevator, which had still been out of order the previous day, was finally working again. At least one good thing today.

We stepped in and considering it was like one in the morning we were alone. Eren stood in the left corner, hands hiding in the hoodie's pocket, with his eyes directed to the ground. Was he avoiding eye contact?

I pushed the button to the right floor, thinking of why he avoided me now. Was he already regretting coming with me?

My eyes that had been lain on him until now were shifting to the mirror wall. Or maybe was he.. was he really disappointed with me or even worse.. was he scared? After all he might have actually had certain expectations of the person he had talked to...

E: „ I-I'm sorry..."

My mind had been wandering around and I hadn't paid attention to him but now my eyes were on him again. On his back, at least, since he stood there in a way I couldn't see his face. I didn't have to. His voice was enough for me to realize something was wrong. As in even worse than what was already wrong.

Not thinking, I overcame the distance between us and carefully reached for his shoulder, signaling him to turn around. He recoiled at the sudden touch but after a second he hesitantly turned to face me. A lonely tear had made its way down his cheek and before I realized I had already wiped it away with my thumb. Carefully, not willing to scare him. Though after I realized it I immediately pulled away.

Why was he crying? It couldn't be he was so scared to be alone with me right? I mean I did look a little fucked up but... no actually I could totally understand it if he was scared. But then why did he apologize?

L: „ Hey Eren don't cry. You're safe now okay? I might not look like you imagined but I'm.. I'm not a bad guy. I won't hurt you or anything if that's what you're afraid of."

His eyes widened at my words, as if he was surprised.

E: „ W-what? N-no I'm not scared of you at all! I-it's the complete o-opposite of what y-you just said, actually."

His eyes that had locked with mine while he spoke now shifted away again.

E: „ I-It's b-because... (voice trailing of)