To you, in 2000 Years

Heartless - III

Erwin remained vigilant throughout the night as a watchful guardian by Y/N's side. Each passing moment filled with a mix of hope and dread. He allowed himself only brief moments for his eyes to rest, stealing glances at her peaceful form to ensure she was warm and comfortable in her sleep. 

As dawn approached, the first light began to filter through the window panes, casting a gentle glow across the room. The soft hues of morning light wrapped around them like a warm embrace, infusing the air with a sense of hope and renewal. The quietness was interrupted only by the faint sounds of the world awakening outside. Birds chirped softly, their melodies a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart. He could not shake the image of her lying there, unconscious and vulnerable, blood staining her skin, as if the very life had been drained from her.

In that stillness, he noticed the subtle changes in her breathing—how it had shifted from shallow and labored to a softer, steadier rhythm. It was a small but significant sign that perhaps she was beginning to return to him. Erwin straightened his posture, his heart swelling with cautious optimism as he examined Y/N's face. Her complexion, once ghostly pale, was beginning to regain its liveliness, the faintest hint of rosy pink had blossomed on her cheeks, a beautiful contrast to the earlier pallor that had so deeply troubled him. 

As the tiny rays of sunlight danced across her features, Y/N's eyelids fluttered, signaling the stirring of consciousness. Erwin felt a surge of hope as her eyelids began to flutter. Reaching out, he grasped her hand tightly, his long fingers enveloping hers with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the coolness of her skin. It was as if, by sheer force of will, he could pull her back from the brink of oblivion. He leaned closer, pressing gentle kisses against her hands, his lips brushing softly against her skin. Then, gently, he kissed her forehead, his heart aching with a mix of longing and fear. 

"Y/N." He whispered, his voice filled with concern and tenderness, as if each word were a plea for her to return to him.

"Please, wake up. Y/N."

He repeated her name like a mantra, a calming chant meant to break through the fog of unconsciousness that held her captive. Each whisper was laced with an aching vulnerability, a desperate hope that broke through the silence of the room. The rhythm of his words resonated in the stillness as he poured all his emotions into that single name, willing her to rise from this horrible nightmare. Erwin's eyes traced the contours of her face, memorizing every detail, the way her lips parted slightly, the gentle flutter of her eyelashes against her cheeks, and the faintest hint of color beginning to return to her lips. Each small movement felt monumental, igniting a flicker of hope that she was slowly emerging from the depths of unconsciousness.

In that moment, the world around him faded away, leaving only the soft sound of her breathing and the tension in the air. He was aware of how delicate this moment was, how easily it could slip away. Every instinct urged him to reach out, to bring her back to reality with his presence, to remind her that she was not alone. The weight of his emotions pressed down on him, a mixture of relief and anxiety battling within his chest. As he leaned in even closer, he whispered her name softly, each syllable a plea, a promise, a declaration of his unwavering support. He could feel the warmth of her skin, a reminder that she was still here, still fighting, and he was determined to be there every step of the way.

As if sensing his gaze and recognizing  his calling, Y/N's eyelids began to tremble and she fought hard to open them, a delicate movement that sent a surge of hope coursing through Erwin. It was a subtle yet profound sign that she was fighting her way back to him, and he felt his heart quicken in response. His breath hitching in his throat as he watched the struggle of consciousness play across her features, her brow furrowed slightly and her eyes finally opened.