No Name [Ereri/Riren Fanfic] [COMPLETED]

Chapter Seven

     The rest of the evening went by quicker than usual, but I didn't mind. However, what was keeping me awake wasn't just Hanji and Miche watching TV downstairs, it was the fact that Eren has yet to open himself up to us and to himself. I suppose he isn't used to this much freedom present to him and I guess that's the real reason why I was still awake. I sighed harshly and looked at my digital clock; seeing that it was past midnight I got out of my bed and headed out of my room for a glass of water.

     I walked past the living room where Hanji and Miche were watching their movie and as I did so they tried to flag me down, but I just moved on with a wave of my hand. As I was getting my glass of water, I thought about Eren yet again. It seemed like he was stuck in my head and I had no idea how or why, but I felt like I had to free him from his everlasting shackles. After I filled my glass, I leaned against the counter of the island and brought it to my lips, but didn't take a sip. I left the kitchen, leaving my glass of water untouched.

     As I walked back upstairs my mind kept thinking about Eren, so as a result I headed for his room. Once I was at his door I knocked carefully before opening the door and walking inside. The room was unusually dark but I suppose we haven't really put up any lights for the night, but I'm not saying Eren is a child in that sense. I looked around the room and laid my eyes on the couch Miche and I moved up here for the brunet, so I walked up to it. As I approached, I saw that Eren was fast asleep and was holding onto his covers as if for dear life. I had to wonder if there was more to his story or not, but I'm not one to pry.

     Every now and then I'd watch Eren clamp his already closed eyes tighter and dig his face into the pillow, and as time went by I began to notice sweat beginning to form. Not only that but his breathing began to rise and fall faster and faster, so I decided to wake him up gently. I crouched down beside the couch and gently shook Eren awake. He woke with a gasp but soon began to recover his composure.

     "Are you alright? You seemed to be fighting something in your dreams."

     "... I..."

     "It's alright, Eren, no one can hurt you now. You're safe," as I spoke my hand winded up on top of his.

     In my opinion, Eren needed someone to care for him more now than ever. From what I heard from him, his father basically tore away his chance at a normal life and now the brunet had no idea what the definition of "safe" was anymore. So from now on I'm going to look after him like an older brother figure. As someone who he can depend on when he can't depend on anyone else.

     "Let's go get you some water, you look parched."

     "... 'Kay..."

     I stood up and helped Eren onto his feet and helped him walk down the hallway and stairs, as his legs were so wobbly. Whatever he was dreaming about, it sure did affect him.

     We got to the kitchen and with that I had Eren sit where he did during dinner. As I was getting him a glass of water, he spoke up.

     "... If you don't mind, could I have some of the leftovers... I'm still hungry..."

     "Sure thing. You know, you could've eaten more than you did."

     "I don't know, I just find that a bit disrespectful in some sense. Sure I'm hungry, but to horde most of the food?"

     "Eren, it's okay," I chuckled. "If you're hungry then eat, if your not then don't; you don't need anyone's approval for your personal needs or anything of that sort. To be honest, you don't really need anyone's approval about anything if you think it's the right thing to do or if it's beneficial to you."

     "... There's one person I'm seeking approval from..."

     "Who?"

     I watched as Eren tightened his lips together before sighing and shaking his head.

     "No, never mind."

     I shrugged it off and handed him his glass of water before heading for the fridge and getting out the leftovers. As I was preparing his food, I recalled his look as he said he was seeking approval from someone. His eyes held a despondent gleam in them yet he's still keeping his walls up from being hurt again. I escaped from my trance when the microwave beeped, so I finished preparing Eren his food and placed the plate onto his placemat. I sat down in my spot, which happened to be next to Eren, and grabbed my own water from before, this time taking a drink from it.

     "So, when do you want me to start writing my songs?" Eren asked between bites.

     "There's no rush. Whenever you feel the inspiration or motivation to do so, that's when you can write them. The next tour won't be until we release our next album, and we usually put about twelve songs per album, so there really isn't any need to rush."

     "... Are duets possible?"

     "If your song calls for it, of course. It doesn't matter who you duet with really, but Miche and Hanji think I'm the better singer when it comes right down to it."

     "I figured," Eren chuckled.

     I took another swallow of my water before staring at the liquid in the glass container in my hands.

     "Say, Eren? What was it like to have a loving father?"

     "What?"

     "Oh, it's nothing. I just thought aloud is all."

     "... Well, it's like having someone there for you all the way. He'll support you no matter what little wrongs you caused, like having someone who understands you when you talk with him. I'm not really the best when it comes to explaining things like this, but that's what I saw it as when my father was still his kind self."

     "... I didn't have that. My father left my mom when he found out he was going to be a father. So I was raised without that kind of masculine support; though after my mom died my uncle took me in, but he wasn't the nicest of people more or less a decent person to begin with."

     "Then I'll tell you about my father before he changed whenever you want. It's the least I can do to make up for you taking care of me."

     "I'd like that. Thank you, Eren."

     "Thank you, L."

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Hey guys. So, I'm still getting back into the swing of things here on Wattpad after what happened between me and my dad, even though I'll never forgive him for saying those awful things. But aside from the point, I'm working on pre-written chapters such as this (I wrote this chapter last Tuesday) and I'll start other stories I have yet to update and start on. So please be patient with me and remember that you can always talk with me, as reading your comments warms my heart. So anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you in the next one!!!

~ Author-san