Casualties | ERENXREADER

chapter 15. requite

I took my time catching up to Eren-- letting the cold breeze brush against my skin as the beginning of Fall was near. The air became crisp and cool, carrying a hint of earthiness that made each breath feel refreshing.

I loved the way the leaves changed, painting the world in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The only item I had on to preserve my warmth was a long sleeve-- I didn't consider that the evenings would turn this cold this quickly.

I soon approached Eren's apartment and saw his sculpted body, cast by a shadow, leaning against the entry of the foyer. I folded my arms across my chest to preserve some of the heat that radiated off my body as I tucked my hands into the unders of my armpits.

Eren looked up into the sky as whisps of his hair moved against the wind. His hood barely attached to the back of his head, slanting gradually.

"Took you long enough," Eren said without looking at me— what's new?

"You know I don't like to run" I made my way closer to his position and attempted to grab my goodies out of his hand once again. I was able to catch him off guard but his clasp tightened last second.

"We haven't even gone inside yet." He took his keycard out of his back pocket and began buzzing us inside. I followed him quietly up to his apartment and soon enough we were on his couch. Eren took off his sweater and was now in a plain black tee.

Ugh! I really went back home with Eren.

I examined the bag of items placed on the coffee table and took the bag of chips I picked out. "sorry" these words left Eren's mouth as he sat on the opposing side of the couch.

I stared at him, my emotions in a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity, "For?"

"Not being around recently" He grabbed his PS5 controller and started up his game console. I wasn't expecting Eren to apologize-- This was out of character for him, it wasn't all his style. The sudden change left me feeling off-balanced. For him to communicate sorry means it came from a sincere place.

"I'm sorry too, I haven't been around either." The silence was present for a few seconds, only the sounds of the chip bag crumpling from my hands.

"It's cool. I was always watching you, anyways" Eren said that with no emotion— so simply.

"HUH? Don't start being weird about it" I threw the empty bag of chips at Eren's head. I didn't think I devoured it that fast—I guess the running got to me or...Sasha taught me well.

"holy fuck.....y/n you didn't even ask if I wanted some" He looked at me with a shocked face and I covered my mouth with my hands. We both stayed there looking at each other until one of us couldn't hold in the laughter anymore.

We laughed like the kids we once were.

"They were mine anyways!" Eren and I settled down our laughter and just sat there, enjoying each other's company for a few seconds.

Eren's gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I could feel the warmth of his eyes even without looking directly at him, "Was that all you ate today?" he asked, his tone soft and concerned.

I shook my head a bit, caught off guard. "I ate a hot pocket in the morning, but that's it"

Without missing a beat, Eren stood up and walked towards the kitchen, "I can make us something" he said shyly which made the room seem lighter. I nodded, feeling a bit awkward but grateful.