⊹ synopsis: eren is aching to find his freedom. however, his actions will turn to hurt him and the person he cares about the most.
⊹ a/n: this work takes place in the attack on titan universe. you'll have to understand the storyline to get certain elements of this fic, any inaccuracy to the actual manga / anime happened to keep the story going.
Eren has changed.
It didn't happen overnight, but rather by the courses of multiple events that resulted in a bigger problem than anyone might have imagined.
You met him while training in military camp, the vengeful young boy who only cared about erasing titans from your world.
You and Eren loved each other. Finding a safe space where you could escape the world for a little, just to soke in the fantasy of freedom. Dreaming about seeing the ocean, breaking the walls, building a family even.
However, that all changed after discovering the truth of Eldians. Eren started to drift. It was slow, but you noticed. And it didn't take long for his best friends to do as well. You tried to ignore it, assuming time and space will heal the pain from the ugly truth.
Oh, how you were mistaken.
You could see the agony he was going through from his ocean teal eyes. Waking up beside him those days was the worst. Knowing you can't fix whatever he was going through took its hold on you. And day by day it got worse, the pain he felt started to form into hatred. Ugly, strong, red hatred.
And here you are a year later, standing before his cell.
He averted his gaze while sitting on the bed shoved into the right wall, ashamed of his actions. Even after acting like a stranger to all his old friends and caregivers, he can’t do that to you. Not the girl he was once so deeply in love with.
You wait for him to break the silence. Praying that he wouldn't look in your eye with the same detached look he gave his friends earlier.
“What are you doing here?” He asks, still not looking into your eyes. You sigh before unlocking his door with the key you snatched from the officer on duty. You get into his cell, laying your back against the door you just unlocked. “To talk.” You whisper, almost forgetting how to speak to him.
“I don’t have anything to say. Please leave.”
“I'm not leaving until you give me answers.” You sound broken, fragile even. Eren isn’t listening to you anymore though, dismissing you with a shake of his head.
“I loved you, Eren. Wasn't that enough?” You try again, looking for any sign that he's even listening to you.
He used to adore hearing you say that word. Love. A simple four-letter word that keeps people going forward. A word that you two used to exchange on a daily basis in secret. A word that your foolish heart thought might bring him back to you.
When you were sure he wasn't replying anytime soon. You left the cell, glancing one final time at his form curled on the bed before locking the door.
Back in your own bed now, you can't help but mourn the old Eren and all the memories you two once shared.
You woke up with a startle, hearing boots running outside your door and the loud distress of the soldiers. Throwing your jacket and boots on, you run to see the cause for all this.
Eren escaped. Merely hours after you visited his cell.
It's been a week since Eren escaped. You’re getting through the days with barley with any sleep. Dark circles decorate your under eye, matching most of the soldiers around you.
You are hunted by nightmares.
Every. Single. Night.
Ones of Eren leaving you behind again, of Eren looking at you with the eyes of a stranger rather than the boy you fell in love with. You would wake up with damp lashes and the feeling of dread in your chest. Leaving you no choice but to start your day earlier than everyone else.
That's until someone stirs you awake before the nightmares start.
“Floch?” Your eyes focus on the red haired boy in front of you, illuminated by the moonlight.
“Wake up, someone needs to see you. And don't you dare make a sound.” He then proceeds to yank your arm and lead you to meet the mysterious someone. “Wait by the that table.” He lets go of your arm roughly, causing you to stumble.
Your head is all over the space, your lack of sleep causing you to question his behavior too late.
The door to the room Floch left you in opened timidly, revealing the mysterious presence. You can’t say you’re surprised, it’s like a part of you knew he’s the one finally unveiling himself to you.
“Took you a while, Eren.” You stare directly at him. He looks different, sharper, calculated. As if he's trying to assess the situation just like you are.
“Take a seat.” He motions with his head towards the two seats at the table. Wordlessly, you do as he said. Needing to hear everything that comes out of his mouth.
“I came to take you with me.” He didn't waste any time with greetings. You had many questions. Like where? Why? Do you still think of me as much as I do?
But the only thing that came out of your mouth it a firm “No.”
Eren facial expressions stayed the same, making you feel insignificant. “You’re a traitor, Eren. I’m not going anywhere with you.” you feel your heart break as those words come out of your mouth. All you wanted to do is reach over and embrace the only boy you’ve ever loved, but you had to stay strong. If not for your sake, then for your friends and family.
He stood up then, as if ready to just leave you again.
“That's it? You're leaving?” Eren finally peeked into your eyes then, and you wish you could see the boy you once knew in them, instead it’s the man people whisper about, afraid he will hear them even from the safety of their own home.
“I can't let you hold me back. I'm finding my freedom.” He made his way to the door. “You were my freedom. Why wasn’t I enough for you?” You almost screamed the words while tears flowed from your eyes.
quiet!reader and her situationship with toxic!eren
You two aren’t dating. You might go on casual dates, sleep at each other's places, text morning and night, you might even wear his sweater to sleep sometimes.
But it's all casual.
You felt someone grabbing your arm before pushing you to an empty classroom. Spinning around you faced a mad Eren. You felt your nose twitching with annoyance. You're already running late. What does he need now?
“I can't right now Eren, I'm runner late.” You look up at him with a frown on your lips.
You haven't seen or heard of him in a week. You gave him the benefit of the doubt, told yourself that he’s probably busy studying and didn’t have the time to check on you.
And why should he?
It's not like he’s your boyfriend.
But catching glimpses of him with another girl? that sort of broke something in you.
“I haven't heard of you in a while, I'm worried you’ve gotten bored of me.” Eren had the audacity to look hurt by that.
You look down at your feet, not sure how to respond to that. It’s true that you haven't reached out either. You wish you could scream at him, confront him about that girl, anything but stay quiet like usual.
“Sorry I was busy” You still haven't met his eyes, not ready to sink into his teal gaze. That's until he forcefully grabbed your jaw and pulled your head up, crashing your gazes together.
“That's all you have to say? You've been busy?” He’s pissed now, even if he doesn't have the right to be.
You shoved his hand away, not liking his tough act. “Well, you haven't checked on me either” you used any confidence left to throw that sentence out. Trying not to regret your actions, you stormed out of the empty room and went to your next class.
After finishing class, you're surprised to see your phone blowing up. Frowning you go through the messages of Eren begging to meet you at the coffee shop across your campus building. Wanting to clear the air, you send him a thumbs up.
Making your way into the coffee shop you spot Eren talking to some girl you believe he shares class with. Not wanting to barge into the conversation, you decide on ordering your coffee first.
Sensing someone watching, you spin around, only to catch Eren’s gaze from afar, giving him a small hesitant smile, you motion with your head to your coffee being brewed. He frowned before making his way towards you and ultimately ending his conversation with that girl.
“Why didn’t you wait for me before ordering? You know I can't have you paying when I'm the one who asked you out.” He searched your face, as if the answer was written all over it.
“Well, I didn't want to interrupt you and your friend over there” You answer nonchalantly before grabbing your coffee from the counter.
“Stop that.” Eren muttered, clenching his jaw.
“Stop what?” You fake confusion. Looking up at him with doe eyes.
He grabbed your arms then, taking you out of the coffee shop and into an empty alley.
“Why are you acting so indifferent to me? Are you mad? Did I do something?” He sputters.
Then he says something that takes you by shock. “Is there someone else?”
Now you’re fuming. “And what if there is? Not like you're my boyfriend or anything” you look straight into his eyes, getting satisfied by the look of hurt on them.
“You talk to all the girls you want. I can do the same.” You told him bluntly.
“it's not the same though, you're special to me, unlike them.” He tried to sweet-talk you.
“blah blah blah. Go find someone else to bother Eren, I’m done with you.”
You walked away knowing damn well you’re not done with him
Ever since that late night call, you decided this back and forth between you two got to stop.
So, your bright idea on how to stop it? By ignoring all her tactics.
She started teasing your new hair style? Called it childish?
Ignore.
She made fun of your favorite movie?
Ignore.
It didn't take long for her to notice your dismissive attitude. However, that made her even more persistent in getting a reaction from you. Waiting for you to snap back at her like you would always do.
This only fueled you and your stubbornness.
Now you’re ignoring her as a whole.
Your friends decided to stay out of it, saying stuff about how it was, “bound to happen”
Which was absolute bullshit in your opinion.
Ignoring Rio wasn't easy. Having the same friend group meant seeing each other was inevitable.
Especially on a Saturday night like today. You and your friends were planning on going to the movies to watch some trashy romcom
However, you didn't know those plans included Rio until it was too late.
Now here you are, standing awkwardly with your arms crossed while waiting for your friends to grab their tickets and snacks.
There is still no sign of Rio (not like you're waiting for her.)
God you’re the one ignoring her! why are you so nervous to see her?
“Okay eyes closed” You and your friends have this tradition of picking movie tickets randomly, which means you will have no idea who you will be seated next.
When it was your turn to pick you chuckled at the stupidity of this tradition
(H-10) your ticket read
Right after you grabbed your ticket, Rio strolled in. Wearing her usual hoodie and grey sweats combo.
Your eyes instantly met. Though instead of the usual spark hers held, it was a dull indifference. You expected some sort of remark your way. But nothing. She just walked past you to grab the last ticket left.
You tried to act unaffected.
You’re the one who wanted this after all, right?... right?
“I’ll use the restroom.” you mutter to no one in particular.
Reaching the bathroom, you finally feel like you could breathe. Splashing water on your face, you catch your reflection in the mirror.
“God what am I doing.” You sigh, running your fingers through your hair. After a couple more deep breaths, you leave the restroom to catch the movie.
The movie has already started so you hastily scan the area for your seat. Praying that your best friend is the one sitting beside you.
Finally, you reach your seat. And pause.
Fuck this stupid tradition.
Fuck your life.
Fuck this whole movie theater.
Of course, you got the seat right beside Rio. It's the last on the row so no one would be on your left, which also means no one would be willing to switch...
She doesn't notice you at first
“Move your legs.” You whisper softly.
That gets her attention. She looks up at you with the same indifferent look as before.
It breaks something inside you, but you ignore it and take your seat.
An hour into the film and still nothing, not a glance your way, not a comment about sharing popcorn with each other, just pure agonizing silence.
You couldn't focus on the movie. Not when the main character started crying because her and the male lead had a fight. Or when they got back together at the end like every romcom.
And before you know it, the movie ended and the credits started rolling.
You were still in a haze that you hadn't noticed everyone leaving the theater, leaving you and Rio alone.
“Aren't you going to say anything?” She was the first to break the silence.
You glanced her way, catching her eyes. This time you saw the unmistakable pain in them, which probably reflected yours.
“I’m tired Rio. I’m so so so tired.” You breathed, still caught in her eyes.
“I’m tired of this back and forth between us” you lower your gaze. Knowing you don't have the right to be upset, not when you were just as responsible as her for the downfall you two had.
You two started as friends, best friends even.
But it was different. Not like your usual girl friendships.
It was deeper, more intimate.
It didn't take you long to realize that you had the biggest crush on Rio. But you were too cowardly to admit it to anyone. Falling for your best friend? That had to be some kind of broken rule.
So, what did you do?
You shut her out. You stopped hanging out every day, stopped telling her all your secrets, stopped laughing at her stupid jokes.
And day by day it broke you more. Seeing her getting closer to other people. Calling other girls her best friend when it should have been you.
It should have been you experiencing all her major life changes. Should have been you putting those cheesy smiles on her face, should have been you, she teased.
No one else.
You.
And you hate yourself for thinking this way. For being this selfish.
"I just want to- No" Rio shook her head
“I need to know why. Why did you shut me out? I was your best friend, and you just left me.” The broken expression on her face made you want to admit everything.
And deep down you knew that you should. She deserves the truth more than anyone.
So, the words started slipping out, all the pent-up emotions going along with them.
“I liked you, Rio. Not like a friend but... More.” You couldn't meet her eyes, too embarrassed by your confession and the tears welling up.
Her breath hitched, surprised by your claim.
“I’m sorry for what I did, I just...” You pause to inhale a deep breath. “I couldn't keep acting like I only saw you as my friend when you were in my every thought, all day.”
“Not when I looked for you in every person I met.” You add
You finally met her eyes again, expecting a disgusted look on her face.
But you were taken aback by the tears her eyes held. Matching yours.
“Why- Why didn't you tell me?” She asked.
“Goddammit I could've shared those feelings with you.”
“What?” Your tear-stained face was frozen into a look of surprise. You didn't hear her correctly, right? You definitely misheard. Because if what you heard was correct then that means... she also had feelings for you?
“I liked you too. Ever since we became friends –God it was so obvious– How did you never notice?”
She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated.
You felt tears running down your cheeks. Frustrated with yourself too. How could you be this stupid?
What about all the wasted time?
a/n: this stupid small font hurts my eye, too bad it looks pretty.
After a week of crying, you decided enough was enough, you packed a bag and went back to your home town for a breather.
The first month back you managed to find a part time job at your local diner and made new friends.
You tried to no not think about him, not when you came across a funny meme that reminded you of him, or passed a cute cat that he would’ve loved to pet. You have your own life now. New people that care about you.
But deep down you still miss him. Deeply.
So when you get a message from him asking if he could visit, you had no choice but to agree.
You told yourself it’s just to clear the air after the messy breakup. No big deal.
But why are you putting extra care into your looks? Why did you wear his favorite color? The perfume he always complimented?
He planned to meet you at the park across your street, and as if your souls were attached and forced to separate you caught each other’s eyes from across the street with ease. As if they were also waiting to be reunited.
Trying not to sprint into his arms you walked softly, your heels crunching the fallen leaves.
“Hi” he was the first to break the silence.
“What did you want to talk about?” You internally wince at your straightforward tone.
But what did he expect? He’s the one who dumped you on your birthday.
“Listen I’m sorry for what I did I was an asshole I know it but please hear-“ you shake your head cutting him off.
“No. No. No. What You are is a child who can’t communicate his feelings” you finally meet his eyes, letting him see all the pain he’s putting you through.
“I’m sorry. Baby please just let me explain myself then you can decide where we could go from there” he begged. And it sounded tempting. God did it sound tempting.
You felt your eyes watering, you tried blinking them away but he caught it before you could hide away.
“Can I?” You nodded hesitantly before he embraced you. You couldn’t help but sniff his scent, even if it’s probably the last time, one more time is all you needed.
Let it be the endless bickering, or the constant degradation you put each other through.
Your friends always saw it as flirting and you’d argue, that’s it’s not that you two obviously hated each other’s guts.
But deep down you wondered, was it actually hate or were you both just desperate for attention from each other?
༄
Your friend group is having a get together at Rio’s apartment, you refused at first, (obviously) but after a couple of begging sessions from your best friend you finally caved.
“We’re leaving when I start to feel even the slightest bit unwelcome” you threw over your shoulder before grabbing your keys from the key rack.
You knock softly on Rio’s apartment door, hesitant.
After waiting a couple of seconds, you decide to knock again, and again… You tap your heels on the floor getting irritated.
You made your friend go first since finding a parking spot in Rio’s apartment is semi-impossible, however now you’re paying the price by standing awkwardly before her door.
Finally, the door swings open. You open your mouth, ready to thank your friend who you’ve texted to let you in.
To your surprise though the person who opened the door is no other than Rio herself.
“Took you long enough, I almost froze to death.” You mutter, avoiding eye contact.
“A “thank you” would’ve been good.” Rio replied before moving out of the way to let you in.
She clearly hadn’t moved enough though because you still caught the hint of vanilla scent she always seems to carry.
Going into the living room where everyone is already cramped on the floor playing some card game, you feel Rio’s overwhelming presence over your shoulder.
“I don’t remember inviting you.” Rio claimed from behind you.
You stop in your tracks causing her to bump into your back.
“So, you invited all our friends (including the ones both of you can’t stand), and what, forgot about me?” you inquired, spinning around to face her.
“Didn’t forget, just didn’t want you here.” Rio claimed curtly. Looking you up and down with something you can’t pinpoint. It’s always like this with Rio, you never know what goes into her mind when looking at you.
“Fine I’ll leave” shoving Rio with your shoulders to get past her. Your words about leaving at any unwelcomeness coming back to you.
“Wait” you thought you heard Rio calling but you were too fast and too stubborn to look back.
༄
Arriving back at your place, you scoff at your stupid self for even thinking you could have a civil get together with your friends when Rio is around.
Looking through your messages, you’re surprised to see one from Rio
| 𝚁𝙸𝙾 |
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝?
𝙼𝚊𝚗, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚌
𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚓𝚘𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝…?
You ignore her nonsense and decide to call it a day.
༄
You hear the no mistakable sound of ringing coming from your phone.
God who could be calling you at this time? Your bedside clock read 2:00 AM.
“hello” you pick your phone without reading the caller Id.
“Uh hello” You sit up immediately after hearing that voice, scanning the caller ID, you confirm that’s its indeed Rio
“Why the hell are you calling me right now” you glance at your clock again.
“Just wanted to make sure you’re home… everyone just left so... yeah” Is she being serious right now?
“You were invited by the way” she added hesitantly. You paused, not sure how to respond to any of this.
“Good night, Rio” you decide on before ending the call
a/n: first post hoping no one see this [nervous] I know this is not the best but idk feel free to make requests if you liked my writings Bye