knuckle velvet | eren jaeger

just a little while

Tuesday, September 20th

"I can't believe it's been two weeks," Sasha said, sipping her tea as you both sat in the dining hall.

She had already downed three orders of mozzarella sticks and a BLT before you even sat down.

You nodded, stirring your own drink absentmindedly. "I know. It feels like a lifetime ago and a blink of an eye at the same time."

"Connie's finally woken up," Sasha continued, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "He's doing really well and the doctors are optimistic about getting him discharged soon. He's even joking around again."

A genuine smile tugged at your lips. "That's great news. I've been meaning to visit, but..."

"But what? He asks about you every time I see him."

You sighed, looking down at your coffee. "I don't know, Sasha. It's just... hard. Seeing him like that."

You hadn't told her about why it was hard seeing him like that yet.

And to be honest, you don't plan on it.

It's not something you want to relive.

But you knew at one point or another you'd have to.

Sasha reached across the table and squeezed your hand. "I get it. It's been tough on all of us. But... he needs his friends right now. We all do."

You nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'll try to go soon. Promise."

Sasha let out a small sigh of relief. "Good. Speaking of not showing, Eren hasn't visited Connie once either."

Your expression hardened at the mention of Eren. "Yeah, well who's surprised."

Sasha frowned. "I don't get him. He's so close with Connie, too. It's like he's purposely avoiding the situation."

You shrugged. "You know him better than I do."

Sasha sighed. "Who am I kidding? It's Eren. He's always been like that. Running away instead of facing things. I guess I just thought Connie being hospitalized would've been enough to get him to... I don't know...." Sasha looked at you thoughtfully.

You pursed your lips, nodding your head to show that you understood.

She cleared her throat. "You've been avoiding Eren too."

You rolled your eyes. "That's different. I never liked him to begin with."

"I know," Sasha said softly. "But it might help to clear the air. For both of you."

You shook your head. "I don't think there's anything to clear up. He made it very obvious he didn't want me anywhere near him and I feel the same."

Sasha sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You're both so stubborn. It's infuriating."

You couldn't help but laugh at that. "Stop comparing us, God, I'm going to be sick."

Sasha smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Just promise me you'll think about it, okay? For Connie's sake, if nothing else."

You nodded, knowing she was right. "I will. I promise."

She smiled, sipping at her drink. "You know, it's weird. All this time I've spent with Connie at the hospital, I've realized how much we need each other. Even when we're fighting or down each other's throats. I don't know what I'd do without him."