Trauma Bond

Chapter Nine: Bittersweet Grief

A week had gone by since your mom passed away. You had one more week until you started your new job, leaving you with nothing to do in the meantime. You had a lot of free time. 

You were never invited to your mom's funeral, you weren't sure who organized it to begin with, since your relationship with your extended family was nonexistent. You were content with not going anyways, you didn't want to subject yourself to being around anyone and you weren't mentally prepared for the finality that a funeral entails. You would visit her gravesite when you were ready.

Sasha and Niccolo had grown closer, their relationship becoming more serious. He had asked her to be his girlfriend, where she excitedly accepted. 

You and Eren continued to talk every day, whether it was in person or through text. He made himself available for you to help you through your grief, and you were grateful. Your relationship, whatever it was, was getting stronger, your fondness for him growing. He's been a breath of fresh air, someone totally different than anyone you've ever met, and you were fascinated.

Mikasa and Armin have been there for you, as well. They often came over unannounced just to check on you or bring you homemade meals. They would stay and chat with you for a while, and even brought you nice gifts to cheer you up. You genuinely loved and appreciated their company, their warm auras brought you comfort. 

Then one day, when you were extra depressed, Mikasa came over after a brief text conversation that you had with her. She let herself in and went straight to your room, where you were laying in your bed. The lights were off, but she knew you were awake by the sound of your soft sobs. She turned on your bedside lamp, not wanting to overwhelm you with the main light in the room, and gently rubbed circles on your back in silence as she sat at the edge of your bed.

You turned around and gave her a tight hug, wiping the stray tears off of your cheeks. She hugged you back, softly running her fingers through your tangled hair, careful not to pull on them and hurt you.

She pulled away from the hug and stood up. "Come on, (Y/N), let's get you cleaned up." She gently grabbed your hand and pulled you up and out of the bed. She walked you to your bathroom and sat you down on the closed toilet lid and grabbed your brush. She gently brushed the tangles out of your dirty hair and had you brush your teeth as she ran you a bath and gathered some clothes together for you to change into after your bath. 

She added some soothing bath salts and oils to the running bath water, causing the comforting aroma to fill up the room. She left the room and stayed behind the closed door, giving you some privacy, but still allowing conversation to ensue. 

"(Y/N),I think it would be a good idea for you to get out of the house for a little bit. You haven't left the house in a while and I think it would be good for you." Her soft, concerning voice made it's way through the door.

Your sad voice spoke after a short moment of silence. "Yeah... You're probably right. I just don't know that I'm ready."

"I know it's hard, but you've been isolating yourself for a week now. I think you need to be around people who love and care about you to help you heal." 

You knew she was right. You've been pushing people away in spite of your grief, a coping mechanism that you developed as a child, not wanting to bother people with your feelings. "I know, I'm sorry." 

"I've spoken to Sasha and the others, and everyone agrees. I set up a small get-together at my house tonight. It'll only be our friend group there, Sasha and Niccolo included. We'll just be playing board games and hanging out, watching movies and stuff. It'll be fun." Her voice sounded hopeful. 

You knew you didn't really have much of a choice, she was likely going to make you attend, but you knew she was right. You agreed to go and finished up your bath, washing your hair and body and shaving.