Growing Feelings 2 (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

Unforgettable Feelings (part 1)

Life had been treating me kindly.

I was sitting at a table, outside of a caffe, feeling the sun on my skin. With a drink in one hand and a slice of cake on the other I watched as the people on the busy street walked pass us.

Shocked by the semblance of a familiar figure that was far off in between the crowd, I bent foward, squinting my eyes.

- Is there something wrong? - Armin asked.

- No... just thought I saw someone.

I've told myself I had moved on from him many times, but my brain still managed to trick me. 

Even though it's been so long since we broke up, part of me still longed for him. Even though I'm in a different country now, my eyes still looked for him.

By the time I got that call from Armin, I felt overjoyed as I told Reiner, Pieck and Porco that our project had been selected for this internship. I was happy to be given this opportunity, but later, after coming back home, I couldn't help but feel a little somber. I would have to stay away for a while, way after Bertholdt had returned from his.

After all that had happened, I knew, deep down, that I still had hope for us to get back together.

__________

The next day I was at the local park, sitting in the grass, watching as a beautiful swan entered the calm waters of the small lake nearby. I had taken a few paperwork with me, to get a few things done even though it was weekend, but I felt like taking a break and just enjoy the view. Even though this park was different, it reminded me of the one I had near my place. 

Feeling soaked by that feeling of nostalgia, I gazed into nothing until something got my attention. 

Next to me, a bit further away, a young man was sitting in the grass.

That tall figure could not be mistaken for someone else.

- Berthold?!

I left my mouth open for a bit, while he touched the grass next to him, looking at it and not saying anything. Then I got back to my initial position, looking around.

- Is this a dream? There's no way he's here... I probably fell asleep on the grass...

- It's not a dream... though it feels like one to me too.

Bertholdt continued to play with the grass, and I let my body fall back watching the clouds above.

- If it's not, then why would you be here...

- I don't regret it... the time we spent together... I'm sorry if I gave that idea...

I turned my head to look at him. His gentle eyes were now looking into mine, which caused me to feel my face heating up.

I got up, feeling my frustrations taking over me, finally getting to me the fact that it wasn't just a dream.

- I don't understand... what do you want... I'm in a different country why would you come all the way here?!

- Because I wanted to! - Bertholdt got up, even though he still kept his distance. - because I wanted to see you.

- No... this isn't right... I was good without you... I have my own life now and goals and I don't need-

- I know. I know you don't need me... but... - Bertholdt clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes while looking at me. - I need you (Y/n).

- How selfish... - I said as my heart tightened. - You left me, didn't even give me a chance to talk... Do you know how painful it was... and now that I've moved on you come here because you need me?!

- I-it's not like that...

- Then how is?

- Well...! - he paused to think, as he look flustered that the talk wasn't going well, or that he didn't know the right thing to say. Then he looked down and sighed.

- It was because I thought you were better off without me that I left... and maybe I was right... you seem happy now... but - he raised his head to face me again. - I promised myself I wouldn't run away anymore. (Y/n). So I came here. It might be incredibly selfish of me, however... I only ask for a day. If after that you don't want to see me again, I understand. I won't bother you anymore. - Bertholdt got closer only for a second, in which he handed me a pamphlet - I marked the place there... if you want, meet me there tomorrow. You don't have to go, and if you don't... I'll leave... and you can forget about me...

I looked at the pamphlet which had places to visit and a small map regarding that city I was staying at. It's the type that tourists buy so they know what's interesting to see there. 

So he got one of these to choose where to invite me to...?

I looked away, trying hard not to smile on how adorable that was. 

- I-I'll think about it.

- Ok, thank you. I'll... - Bertholdt walked backwards, with his thumb pointing back. - I'll go now. Well, then see ya... I mean, if you go...

- Hm-Hm...

After he left, I layed on the grass, staring at the clouds once more. I placed my hands on my face.

What was that??

My chest was bumping with excitement. I haven't felt this happy in a long time.

The truth was that what I said was a lie; I didn't move on at all, and I knew that. I could still have a good life, find hapiness in other places... but he provided me a type of joy I could never find in any other place.

It was quite obvious.

Of course I'll go.