Growing Feelings 2 (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

I want to go back home.

Slowly realising what I had just said, I felt my cheeks heating up and I looked away. 

But, somehow, something felt odd. In the past I had imagined the moment I would be honest and let her know about my feelings many times, but this was strangely different.

- I know.

- You do..?

- Of course... I've told you... you're too easy to read.

I lightly scratched my neck, not knowing what to say.

- But either way... that is not the case anymore, right?

The fact that I talked in the past tense hit me. In fact, it's been a long time since I thought that.

Noticing my hesitation, she continued.

- I don't know why you would bring that up now... but it somehow feels refreshing that you've finally said it directly. I thought you would keep it to yourself and forget about it eventually...

- I wouldn't forget!

Annie chuckled, which was something rare to witness. 

I smiled. It did feel refreshing. Like a weight had been pulled away from my shoulders.

But most of all, I felt relief.

- Annie... if I had told you back then, what would have been your answer?

- Who knows... only those who are brave enough to fight for what they want deserve to know the answer to that.

My mouth turned into an awkward grin. She was right. There are certain things you need to do at the right time. And to be fair, I didn't actually needed or wanted to know her answer.

Not anymore.

- Bertholdt... you're always so diligent. You do what needs to be done, no matter the task. Even so, when it comes to woman, you always prefer to run away...

- Well I...

- It's (Y/n), right? The one you love?

My eyes widened with the mention of her name. I felt a warmth in my chest, already knowing the truth.

- Yes. I love her...

- Then, what do you plan to do?

- About what...?

- Are you going to run away forever? Or are you going to fight for her?

- It's... complicated.

- I think it's quite simpler than you may think.

We watched as the sun began to hide behind the buildings. The air was also getting colder.

- Thank you. - I said as a murmur, almost inaudible.

I was glad I had this talk with her. 

____________

I woke up and felt washed away by sadness. 

In my dream, I was standing by a beautiful lake when (Y/n) showed up. She was wearing some strange clothes, like the ones people used to in the past, and I was wearing the ones I've used before in previous dreams.

This dream, that was as vivid as a memory, just managed to make me miss (Y/n) even more.

Even though Annie had encouraged me to try things again with her, it still was hard for me to talk to her directly out of the blue. I told myself I would do it once I had returned from my intership.