Souls Of Sorrow || Eren Jaeger X Reader

Chapter 6 - Eren

-One month later-

The rain is falling heavily, soaking through my cloak and wetting my clothes. The tall trees surrounding the area stretch so high they touch the grey clouds. The heavy backpack on my shoulders is throwing my balance in the slippery mud but I try my best to stay steady while I run.

I'm breathing heavy and my muscles are begging to rest but I keep pushing forward. I see Reiner helping Armin out with his backpack, placing it on his own shoulders. He knows he could get in trouble for helping another cadet but he doesn't seem to care.

"Come on Eren!" Y/n encourages, waving a hand above her head. She's at least a few meters ahead of me and the rain is drowning out her voice. I keep running, my legs feel like they're on fire now. She slows her pace, waiting for me to catch up.
"Thanks." I say breathlessly.

"No problem, just try not to collapse!" She calls over the pounding raindrops. I nod, jumping over a large tree root jutting out of the dirt. The cabin is in sight now, just a few more yards to go. My lungs are burning in my chest and I feel blood in my throat but I keep running.

"Let's go cadets!" Shadis calls, riding his horse alongside our course.
"This is so unfair! He gets a damn horse and we're forced to run in this!" I yell, nearly slipping on a damp patch of grass.
"I know! But it wouldn't be hard work if it was fair!" Y/n calls, ducking underneath a tree branch.

"Yeah I guess." I mutter to myself. Thunder rumbles in the distance as lightning flashes across the clouds. My boots slide in the mud, causing me to fall forward and smack into a low hanging tree branch. A strong grip grabs onto my arm before I hit the ground, pulling me back up.
"C'mon man!" Reiner shouts, waving me on.

I take a brief pause to catch my breath and continue towards the cabin, careful not to slip this time. Mikasa, Y/n, and Annie are already standing on the porch, calling out words of encouragement to the other cadets. I blink in surprise, Y/n was beside me only moments ago.
Am I really that slow?

I shake my head in frustration, blinking out the rain running down my face and trickling into my eyes. I run faster, finally reaching the cabin steps. I drag my feet inside and throw down my backpack, my body crying with relief.

"Good job Eren." Y/n smiles, handing me a glass of water. I take it gratefully, downing the entire glass in seconds. I glance at her as I set the cup down. Her hair is soaked, loose strands clinging to her face, her skin is glistening with rain water, eyes glinting under the cabin lamplight.

I'm sure I look a hundred times worse, breathing heavy and probably red faced. She didn't look bad though, not at all.
"Hey Jaeger, how was it out there?" Jean asks, throwing his arm around my shoulders. I shove him off with a grunt, my shoulders already sore from carrying my backpack.
"It was hell, thanks for asking." I say with a sarcastic smile.

"Tell me about it, I'm totally dead." He groans, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn.
"Me too." Y/n agrees, rubbing her shoulders.
"Hey Eren, feeling alright after that fall?" Reiner walks over, clapping me on the back. I grimace at the surprising force behind it.
"Yeah, I didn't hit the ground thanks to you so I'll be fine."

"Good to hear. You should really work on not falling over every time we train, you're gonna break something one of these days." He chuckles.
"I'll do my best." I say, raising my hand in promise. He seems satisfied with that, giving me a friendly smile.

"Alright, I'll see you guys later." He says, fist bumping Jean and Y/n, who both nod in response.
"See you Reiner." Y/n says. He waves as he the leaves the three of us, heading over to talk with Berthold and Marco.