Chapter 22: Serenity
Now I'ma take this moment to explain something I should've done in the previous chapter soooo basically before coming to Marley, Historia confessed her love for Eren. However, she was trying to play smart with him using him since if she married Eren they'd have a child right the next inheritor.
Eren would become the next king only for the next 4 years and soon he'd get eaten by his child thus, Historia would inherit the empire once again. However, if she'd just marry a stranger and have a child with him, she'd have no or less control over the empire so that's the reason she agreed to marry Eren on the first place.
—————————————
Mikasa POV
Moonlight streamed through the misted windowpane, casting a soft, silvery glow over Eren's face. He rested against my chest, looking so tranquil, so heartbreakingly innocent—like a child lost in a shelter he longed for but rarely found.
His arms were wrapped around me, holding tight, as though I was an anchor he feared might disappear. And that gentle, almost fragile smile of his… it captivated me in ways I could never explain. I couldn't look away, not for a single breath.
I'd spent the entire day drowning in my own guilt, silently loathing myself as he slept. I'd promised him I wouldn't cry, not once he fell asleep, but my heart was breaking open.
How could I not? I'm the worst person in the world for him, unworthy of this peace he's found here. He's been through so much—sacrificed everything, even his own mother, just so that we, just so I could live.
My thoughts spiraled in the dark, unearthing the torment he endured, each revelation from him more unbearable than the last. Countless worlds, all woven with the same threads of pain and sacrifice, the same relentless fate.
A nightmarish loop—endless, suffocating. He told me that after he dies, he'll only wake again in another world, a cursed cycle that binds him forever. And I'm at the heart of it.
Why? Why does he have to bear this alone? I'd thought, once we died, we could finally be at peace, together forever. But it was my selfishness that kept him trapped in this hell.
He's slaughtered countless souls, over and over again, in countless worlds, and all because… because he loved me, wanted to spare me from the same suffering.
My arms tightened around him, my teeth clenched, tears falling hot and fast as I pressed my face into his hair. How could I be so blind? Each version of me he'd loved, each world he'd fought through…
I didn't deserve him. I'd never deserved him. And all the times he'd looked to me for strength—I hadn't been enough. I'd been nothing but a burden, a shadow he couldn't escape from.
I shivered, suddenly, a chill creeping through my bones, unfamiliar and haunting. The air felt colder than it should for spring, my body trembling uncontrollably, but it didn't matter.
My mind clung to him, to the reality of him in my arms, the thought that maybe—just maybe—I could hold onto him a little longer.
My vision blurred, stung with tears that refused to stop. I've killed him, I thought, the horror clawing at me. In so many worlds, by my own hands… And I had dared to say I loved him, to believe he was mine. How could I?
"Umm… Mika?" Eren's voice broke through my grief, and I blinked, startled to find his eyes open, watching me. His gaze held a soft disbelief, his brows drawn together as he took in my face, wet with tears. I couldn't find words, barely able to breathe through my sobs, and I murmured, "Hold me… please…"
Without a heartbeat's hesitation, Eren's arms pulled me close, his warmth flooding through me, melting the cold in an instant. And there, wrapped in his embrace, the world finally faded away, leaving just the two of us, as though nothing else had ever mattered.
"Hey… hey… what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Eren whispered, his arms tightening around me as I tried to steady my voice, my quiet sobs echoing in the silence. "Don't tell me… you're still worried about.... that?"
His tone was calm, almost detached. That calmness—his voice so devoid of the pain he once felt—only broke me more. It was as if he'd numbed himself to everything.
"Ereh… Ereh… it hurts so, so bad…" I choked, feeling my heart splinter with every word. "I'm so, so, so sorry… my Ereh…" I gently pushed him back, letting him fall onto the bed beneath me as I climbed over him, my hands cradling his face, my tears dripping onto his cheeks. "How could someone be so kind? How could someone have such a big heart… for someone like me? Just… how?"
His gaze softened, a tender smile breaking through as he looked up at me. "For you, I would… for you, I'd do anything," he murmured, brushing his fingers over mine. "I'd sacrifice the world if you asked… die countless times… live countless times… just to be by your side. It doesn't matter if you killed me, Mikasa. The only thing that matters is that, in every world, we loved each other."
His lips found mine in a gentle kiss, his words sinking deep, breaking me all over again. He pulled back, hiding his own tears. "But the worst pain… the worst damn thing… is seeing you cry because of me. God knows how much that tears me apart, knowing how precious you are to me… You might love me, but you could never—no, never—understand just how much you mean to me, not in a thousand lifetimes. That's why…"
Eren's arms wrapped around me, lowering me gently to the bed as he brushed a few stray tears from my face. "Mrs. Eren, come on… enough with the crying." His lips quirked in that familiar, mischievous smile. "I like strong Mikasa—the one with the hardcore abs and that beautiful, clean face of hers. She's… a lot more… umm… lovely." He chuckled softly, teasingly. "And for god's sake, don't start crying about hurting me because you're crying. Understand? Now, get some sleep. We've got to check the river tomorrow."
He turned away, laying on his side, his expression hidden from me. I couldn't tell if he was smiling, or if somewhere beneath that calm, he was still hurting.
I let out a quiet laugh, wiping away the last of my tears. Then, leaning over, I wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressing myself against him as I nuzzled his ear. "Sowwy… I won't. Now c'mere, you…"
He chuckled, rolling his sleeve over his eyes with a soft smile before pulling me close. Eren lay back, facing the ceiling, his arm beneath my head as I snuggled into him. I rested my head on his chest, draping my leg over him, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek. I closed my eyes, my hand resting over his, and in the quiet warmth.
"Ne… Eren… if you don't mind, could we stop by the town tomorrow?" I murmured, feeling a bit bashful. "Umm… I'll cook you something really delicious… I don't want my cutie just eating raw bread."
Eren pouted, his lips forming the softest little frown, and I couldn't help but think he looked like an adorably flustered rabbit. "Hmm… but… but I thought I was supposed to be hot… you know, like a man…"
"So cuteee," I teased, reaching over to pinch his cheeks gently. "Look at my Ereh, all pouty!"
He chuckled, his laughter filling the room like a warm melody, and I couldn't stop smiling. It was moments like this that made everything feel so complete.
"Hey… Eren," I whispered, more serious this time, "let's never talk about anything dark again… just us, like we promised…"
He gave me a playful, teasing look. "Well, if you'll let us…" he said, his voice softening. I leaned in, placing a gentle goodnight kiss on his lips, and slowly drifted off, hoping tomorrow would bring nothing but happiness.
---
The morning light crept in through the window, casting a soft glow on his face. "Ummmm…" I murmured sleepily, blinking as the warmth of the sun pulled me awake. Eren was still fast asleep beside me, snoring softly, with his head nestled on my shoulder. His mouth was slightly open, and I noticed the little drool trail on his cheek. Even grown up, he was still a drooler—and it was absolutely adorable.
Moving carefully so as not to wake him, I slid out of bed. I padded toward the kitchen, finding only a stale loaf of bread and a few leftover fruits. A small idea sparked in my mind, and with a quick glance back at Eren's peaceful, sleeping form, I decided to set out quietly.
Pulling on my white coat, I stepped outside, making my way toward the river. The thought of waking him had crossed my mind, but I couldn't bring myself to disturb that sleepy smile of his.
At the river, I used the techniques we'd learned in the cadet corps, slipping my hands into the icy water and managing to catch a small trout. It wasn't huge, but it would be perfect for the day. I lost track of time, but after nearly two hours, I returned to the cabin with my prize.
Eren was still fast asleep, his hand resting on his chest, the tiniest smile on his face, and, of course, still drooling a little.
Leaning down, I placed a soft kiss on his forehead before pulling off my coat and rolling up my sleeves. "Alright then," I whispered to myself with a grin.
Time to cook him something special.
I set the trout on the small kitchen counter, doing my best to keep quiet. As I began to prepare it, I couldn't help but smile, thinking of how Eren's face would light up when he smelled a real, warm meal. I carefully cleaned the fish, then gathered some wild herbs I'd collected a few days ago. We didn't have many spices, but the herbs would add a nice touch to make this feel like a true meal.
While I worked, I glanced back now and then to make sure he was still asleep. He shifted a bit in his sleep, turning over and hugging the pillow I'd left behind. I stifled a chuckle. Even in his dreams, he looked so peaceful, so far away from the burdens he carried while awake.
As the fish sizzled in the pan, a soft, savory aroma filled the cabin. I glanced at him again, wondering if the smell might be enough to wake him. It seemed not, so I let him rest a little longer, letting the meal finish. I found a plate, carefully arranged the fish, and added a few slices of the fruit we had left. Simple, but the best I could manage.
I finally moved closer, setting the plate on the table and leaning down to whisper in his ear, "Ereh… time to wake up."
He shifted slightly, scrunching his nose as the scent reached him. I couldn't resist smiling wider when his eyes blinked open, a bit hazy as he adjusted to the morning light.
"Mmm… Mikasa?" he mumbled, stretching out his arms.
"Good morning," I said softly, brushing a lock of hair from his face. "Look, I made you breakfast."
Eren sat up slowly, his eyes widening as he spotted the food on the table. "Wait... is that fish?" he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, a wide smile spreading across his face. I nodded, and the joy on his face made every effort worthwhile. I moved the table closer so he could reach it, my heart swelling just seeing him so happy.
"But… we didn't have any fish. How did you get it?" he asked, brow furrowed. I scratched the back of my neck, laughing a bit awkwardly. "Well, I… I caught some while you were asleep."
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I braced myself for a scolding—the first one ever, maybe. But instead, he took my hand, gently interlacing his fingers with mine, and guided me to sit beside him. Without warning, he leaned over and bit my cheek playfully. "Next time, make sure you take me with you," he said, grinning.
I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Since I'm the 'wife' here, I'm supposed to do all the chores, right? Meanwhile, my husband with his brute superhuman strength can go hunt." He chuckled, clearly amused by my teasing, and I realized how good he was at changing topics with such ease.
"Honestly..." I sighed, smiling at him, savoring this sweet side of Eren I'd rarely seen before. My heart fluttered as I cut a small piece of fish and held it near his mouth. He took a bite, and his eyes widened as the flavor hit him. His cheeks flushed slightly as he savored it, and I couldn't help but giggle at his reaction.
"Mika… when did you get so good at cooking?" he asked, his hands gently resting on my shoulders. I looked away, a bit embarrassed. "Eren… it's really not that good."
But I saw a tear slip down his cheek, and he tried to hide it with a smile. "No, really—it's perfect," he said with such sincerity it almost made me laugh. Without another word, he dug in eagerly, oblivious to the fact that it was my first time cooking fish and half of it was… well, pretty burnt.
He must have noticed, but he never let it show. I watched in amazement as he ate the burnt pieces, leaving the better parts for me. By the time he finished, we had polished off the fish, a little sweet bread, and the last of the fruits. And as we sat there, I felt my heart grow even fuller.
"Here, your turn—say 'aaa'," he teased, holding up a piece of apple to my mouth, his smile lighting up the room. A tear slipped down my cheek as I took a bite, warmth filling me. Maybe the meal wasn't perfect, but sitting there with him made it feel like it was.
By the end of breakfast, I knew one thing for certain: I'd never felt so lucky.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone