Return to sender

Uncovered

The guys weren't talking to one another, speaking through you all afternoon and it was becoming tiring, conversation going past a neutral party. Whatever had happened after you'd left last night seemed catastrophic, thunderous glares on their faces as documents were treated to a harsh stamp every few seconds. Deciding to do something about this destructive behaviour without being obvious or short tempered, you spoke softly.

"Eren, I need a hand with the paper. Jean, you got this?"

"Yup, sure thing. Have it done in no time."

"Thanks." Dragging the shorter and arguably angrier male through to the storage room, you pointed to some boxes, taking a seat on your own cardboard throne as a confused pair of green eyes glared from under low, dangerous brows. "Sit, Eren."

"Why?"

"You know why." Complying with a huff, the man rubbed his bare arms and got ready to take whatever you were going to say - stop squabbling, grow up, that kind of shit. So what you did come out with surprised him. "Are you happy?"

"Huh? Happy?"

"Yes. Are you?" Eren pondered this, saw how serious yet soft your (e/c) orbs were, a hint of sorrow in there too and he sighed, shaking his head whilst looking to the floor, tapping a stray paperclip with his sneaker.

"I guess."

"I'm not having a dig at you here and I won't tell you what to do, but I'm worried."

"What about, (F/N)?"

"You. Jean. This."

"There is no 'this'. I've told you before."

"So what is it then, because watching you two is like seeing a married couple on the verge of divorce. It's not healthy."

"He's not healthy."

Leaping up, you joined him on the stack of crates and held a caramel chin in your grip, tight but kind and made him lock eyes with you, pinning Eren down with what some once called your 'mother' stare. Grown men had crumbled beneath it before, been sent on their way with tails between their legs and it was the first time this particular person had endured such a treat. The brunette didn't know what to do, so opted for blushing deeply, determined to remain steady and he set his jaw in what was hopefully a defiant line. That all went to shit when you began to speak, voice low and purring but with an air of distinct power, one which could not be ignored.

"Don't bullshit me Eren. No funny quips. No insults. No barriers. I've seen enough evidence of sadness and broken homes to last me a lifetime, so please...where are you at? Talk to me?" Swallowing hard, the male wondered what you'd witnessed but kept that for another time, just felt warmly trapped by your eyes.

"I...um...shit." Incapable of anything but honesty, Eren started. "I don't really have anyone around, no parents and if someone gets close, I push them away."

"Why?"

"Because I'm afraid of losing them if I let someone in. I've lost everyone else." The sad truth broke your heart, stance relaxing and you released the hold on him, opting for a rare show of affection as you pulled him in for a hug. He reciprocated strongly and hid in (h/c) locks, your hand running in soothing circles across a dark tee.

"You never know until you've tried, Eren. Sure, relationships don't always work out but some day, one will stick. Don't miss the opportunity to find that one because of fear. Every person we meet influences our lives, makes a mark and it's up to you to decide how lasting that mark is."

"Did you used to be a couples counsellor or something?" Laughing lightly, you jabbed him in the side, breaking the embrace and smiling kindly.

"Something like that, yea. Now. Let that guard down a bit, because Eren? You could be losing out on an amazing thing here."