A Raven in The Phoenix's Nest

Predawn

Mikasa's POV

What time is it?

I wake up on the sofa— Eren's living room. Fell asleep in my evening clothes and the hands gripping my red scarf— his gift. I look at the clock that showing five in the morning. The rays of dawn are already peeking through the fading night clouds. Expelling stories and dreams that occurred in the past.

Vaguely, my head still feels dizzy. Likewise with the weight in my eyes, the trace swollen last night. I think back to remember all those things.

The Joke.

Uddhiharta.

The Slamming Door.

The Kiss.

— still can't believe what happened. All good things after the dusk; all the fun we went through before closing the night with a bedtime cry.

It's all my fault. It's all because of my ego.

What have I done?

However, of all the dramas that happened tonight and of all the mistakes I made, it's because I'm just an ordinary woman. A woman who always gives up is controlled by feelings. A woman who also needs attentions. In fact, deep inside my heart, no matter how hard I keep it, I can't lie.

I've always wanted to be with him.

Preventing the tears that almost come back to visit, I keep myself busy by going to the kitchen and preparing breakfast. I'm sure Eren is still fast asleep in his room. I don't want him to wake up and find an empty dining table. I want him to go to college with a full stomach. If the stomach is filled, the mind is filled.

I open his refrigerator and only find eggs and leftover milk cream. Also, butter and leftover liqueurs which I'll be sure to throw them all away.

"It seems we'll only eat omelette." I said with a sigh.

I raise my hands up, make a little move and do a few simple stretches.

"Alright, I'll make a special omelette for him. The most delicious omelette he will ever eat!"

I crack two eggs into a small bowl. I put a pinch of salt and pepper, also I put butter for adding moisture and flavor. For the rest of the ingredients, I use the milk cream for a protein boost and whisk evenly— pour into a small pan. Make sure use low heat. This is useful so that the eggs don't cook quickly, even burn. Keep the eggs structure by stirring constantly. Do this until the eggs is ready to eat. The last and most important step, use a spatula to roll the eggs. Roll the eggs very carefully and with great patience. My mom said that if the eggs aren't rolled perfectly, it's not worth eating!

That's it! Mikasa Ackerman's Special Omelette.

I serve the omelette on a plate— complete with warm creamy milk to go with it. For this one, I made it for Eren first. By now, those toddler must be asleep with drool running down his pillow.

"Ew, disgusting. Hehehe." I laughed thinking about it.

When I want to scream and call Eren, I immediately push back my intention. I don't want this morning to be a morning filled with emotions. I don't want this morning to be ashen like last night. Because who knows! Eren is a toddler who doesn't like early mornings.

"Hey."

Suddenly, breaking the bustle, from the direction of my back, I hear a man's voice— heavy and husky.

"H-Hey, good morning, Eren."

I don't know how long he's been standing behind me. I also doesn't hear the steps coming down the stairs. However, one thing is for sure, he doesn't look very well. His eyes flushed tiredly. His face is pallid, no longer brightly. His hair was an unsightly mess.

"You're not sleeping, Eren?" I asked worriedly.

Without answering my question, he walks over to me and grabs the plate of omelette that I am holding— sitting at the dining table— eating it voraciously with his mouth keep chewing. Sometimes, he occasionally choked, then chews again— staring blankly at the window.

"Are you okay, Eren?" I asked while giving him a glass of warm cream milk.

He still doesn't answer my question. Still busy chewing and staring blankly at the window. Making his tired face flooded by the dawn that begin to rise. I push back my intention to ask once again. I don't want to press him at this time. Not in the early morning.

"Okay, if you want to eat more, just say so." I said softly— turning to the kitchen to cook again.

"Mikasa... Please stay."

At that time, I feel his cold hand gently holding mine. Makes me realize that he is looking at me— not turning away.

"Mikasa... Please stay. Don't go."

"I'm just going to the kitchen, Eren. I wouldn't lea— "

I stop my words before going any further. Right now, that blank is filled with tears. Full of sadness and madness. Again, I want to ask but I push back immediately. I pull up a chair and sit beside him. My head falls— willing to enjoy his shoulder and hold his cold hand tightly.

I'm completely falling.

"Yes, I'm here, Eren."

With you.

Forever.

— ever.