Eren Yeager (older) x Reader One-shots

No mercy (Hobo Eren) part 2

I was bending towels while looking out the window, watching Kruger as he stayed there on the same bench as yesterday.

"Do you know that patient? The one that is sitting over there?" I asked my friend.

"Oh that one. He just returned from Fort Slava... it was a bloodbath out there. Besides the injures you can see, he also got amnesia... so the poor creature can't even go back home. I can't imagine what it feels like to not know anything. To forget about your loved ones, you know..?"

I continued to watch him from a distance at any given chance that I had. I felt like I had to do something.

He must feel so alone in the world.

A memory from the past came to me. The day that my last sister left the house.

"I'll come to visit, alright?" she said while I was holding back my tears "It's not like you'll never see me again... we just won't live together anymore. But that's ok. That's how life's supposed to be"

"Do you love him?"

She hesitated, surprised by the sudden question.

"Love doesn't have anything to do with it... one day you'll understand."

I saw her closing the door behind her and I broke down in tears. Our mother died when I was young, but I was used to be surrended by them. Our father was rarely home, which I didn't mind back then. But after she left I felt that big gapping hole of actually being alone.

Loneliness can be so painfull.

I... I don't want him to feel that way.

*****

It was time for my break and my body moved on it's own to reach the bench Kruger was sitting on.

"Hello!" I proclaimed joyfully while placing myself next to him.

"Hey"

"How are you feeling today?"

He reached for his cheek with one finger and lightly scratched it.

"The same. What about you?"

"I'm feeling great." I said with a smile.

"Good. You looked like you were a bit down yesterday so it's nice to see you're feeling better."

"I looked down?" 

I wasn't aware that I would give off that idea, or even that he would notice such a thing.

"Yeah. Your smile looks more sincere today."

I was caught by surprise by his statement and looked away feeling a bit flustered.

"Oh alright hm... so how's your leg?"

He let out a small muffled chuckle "the same. Are you going to check on me everyday?"

I pouted internally. It was only yesterday and today, was he anoyed by my presence already?

"No... I mean, I didn't mean to bother. I just saw you here alone and I thought... well nevermind. I hope you have a steady recovery... I'll be going now"

I got up and got ready to leave. I most certainly wouldn't like to be a hindrance to anyone.

"Oh you're leaving already... that's too bad."

"You want me to stay?"

"I won't tell you to stay. I'm sure you have better things to do than to talk to someone like me. But I don't mind your presence. It's actually quite... comforting"

I got down to the bench and sat again.

"Then in that case... guess I'll stay a little longer"

*****

Today I didn't find Kruger at the usual spot. I wondered where he could have gone, but had to remind myself that it was none of my business.

It's not like I had to meet him everyday. 

Even though that's what I've been doing...

One of the patients asked for some water and I was walking down the corridor when I noticed through the window a silhouette walking slowly with a cane towards the bench.

It was Kruger. He was back.

I steadily finished my chores and asked my friend if it was alright if I took a little break. She teased me on how unusual it was for me to ask, since she usuallly has to force me, and if there was a special reason.

There wasn't any special reason. Actually I could just go talk to him some other time...

But somehow I just really wanted to do it right now.

"Hello" I said as I approached the bench "I didn't see you today at the usual time..."

"Yeah. I had to talk with someone. Sorry for not saying anything"

"Oh you didn't have to say anything, of course... was just wondering... and a little worried if everything was ok"

I saw his lips twitching into a smile for a few seconds.

"It is. I was just spending some time with a family member."

I noticed a baseball glove next to him, and as I stared a sudden thought came to me.

"Wait so, you've recovered your memory? Was he here to take you home? That's great news right?"

I tried to sound enthusiastic since that meant he was recovering and wouldn't have to spend more time at the hospital. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel sadden by the idea of him leaving.

"You think I have amnesia..."

"Yes... it's what I've been told. It isn't right...?"

"No" he answered slowly "truth is, I told the doctors I couldn't remember so I could stay a little longer. I didn't want to go home just yet."

"Oh, I see."

"You're not going to tell them that I lied?"

"I'm not. I'm sure you have your reasons."

Not wanting to return home was something I could very much understand. 

I wouldn't be the one to judge him.

"You're a good person (y/n)."

"Well, you're a good person too" I retorted.

He let out an audible chuckle, wich was quite rare to see. "I'm sure I'm quite the opposite"

It's true that he had been to war, so he probably had to do a lot of atrocities that now would fill him with guilt, I thought.

It was only natural he wouldn't see himself as a good person.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. 

"Everyone does things they regret... all we can do is learn from the past... and try to move on."

I tightened my grip to show him my support.

"It's alright. I'll be here if you ever need to talk about anything. Sometimes it helps... so you can count on me"

I looked him in the eye. 

In that moment, I wished I could take away all the pain reflected in his gaze.

Talking was all I could do for him, and even though that wouldn't be enough to erase the reason he felt so broken, I still wanted to try it.

I wanted to help him feel happiness again.