The soft hum of Eren's slowed, tranquil breaths beckoned you to consciousness as your sleepy eyes flutter open— just a sliver of orange dawn peaked through the curtains of Armin's bedroom, where you could be found entangled in a collection of limbs atop a sea of fluffy pillows on a king sized mattress.

Eren's heavy arm was slung across your waistline as his hand held a firm grip onto the fat of your hip; even in his slumber he wanted to make sure you stayed close to him.

Apparently the other inhabitant felt the same, as soft blonde strands tickled the crook of your neck while Armin slept peacefully on your chest. If you were to die now, you'd die a very happy woman. There was no measure of doubt in the smile that graced your lips upon waking up in between two of the most beautiful people you've ever met.

If it was up to you, you'd gladly stay in bed for another hour or so, but the pain in your head plus the fact that you were expected to be back at Sasha and Connie's last night made it apparent that it wasn't a possibility. Luckily, you had managed to free yourself from the pair's hold without waking either of the sleeping beauties.

Sluggish footsteps carried you into the bathroom where you took a good look at yourself in the mirror for the first time since you left the apartment yesterday. You looked a mess, to be expected— a night of drinking and outdoors sex did a number on your appearance— but what made matter worse was the fact that your neck was littered with blemishes left by not only one, but two mouths.

There was no way you were going to get out of this one, they were unmistakable.

You finished your business with a heavy sigh after exchanging the clothes Armin let you sleep in, for the ones you wore to the party— making due with what you were able in order to make yourself the least inconspicuous as possible. After maneuvering your clothing for a good five minutes, you were at least able to cover most of the marks. It would have to do for the time being, until you could get better supplies.

Honestly though, was the trouble worth it?

Technically you and Jean were on a break, so it's not like you were cheating... anymore. Still, it would seem awfully suspicious given the circumstances.

Maybe... maybe this was a good thing? You were finding it more of a nuisance— all of the sneaking around and lies— maybe it was time you just came clean. The innermost battle between your heart and your head was raging something fierce, but lately you weren't so sure which way your heart was leading you.

It was impossible to pin point the exact date and time that things went sour between you and Jean. Maybe things would have been so much easier then, if that were truly the case. You cared for Jean, of course— you always have, maybe a little too much... and maybe that was the problem, because right now you find yourself not caring in the least bit for the man or his feelings.

When had this happened? It was a loaded question that you didn't even want to answer for your own thoughts, but the fact remained and it was blaring sirens in your mind now that you had finally come to realize that...

You had fallen out of love with Jean Kirstein.

You've been out of love for a while now, that much was obviously clear. It wouldn't have been so easy for you to stray if that was the case— you never would've cheated on Jean if you were still in love with him. You were just too busy making excuses to stay in a relationship that you weren't happy in anymore just for the sake of familiarity and caution.

You were just so complacent in the fact that you've know jean for a good portion of your life because it was easier that way. Despite the horrible fights that would occur almost daily, it was still easier to grin and bear it than forging a new path— one without the man who knows your ins and outs like the back of his hand.

Meeting new people, new friends, new relationships... these things just weren't easy for you. You were happy fading into the background without notice and Jean was happy with that too because it meant he could be selfish with you— he could keep you all to himself (aside from Sasha and Connie) without worry.

Eren challenged you, pushed your boundaries in the best ways possible— made you tap into the reckless abandon that you kept buried for so long, taking you far out of your realm of comfort and showing you that there were other options... other possibilities that you've never even fathomed.

With Eren, you were free;

free to realize that a life with Jean wasn't what you wanted anymore.

You've made up your mind— you're going to talk to Jean and formally end things for good. Maybe leaving a few things out; you hadn't decided yet if you wanted to tell him the whole truth. Whether it was morally the right thing to do or not, you weren't sure if you were ready to have that kind of conversation at this time.

After exiting the bathroom and grabbing the rest of your belongings, you took one last longing glance over at Eren who seemed to have found another warm body to snuggle with as he wrapped himself around Armin in almost the same position that you once held. You couldn't help but chuckle, wondering if he had mistaken the blonde for your own form during his slumber— although with the way things went down last night you were positive he wouldn't mind it either way.

You would talk about it another time, surely— but right now you had other matters to attend to. Getting back to Sasha's to collect your things and head back to your own apartment to have the talk with Jean that you were honestly dreading but ultimately knew was necessary. It wasn't fair to either one of you to keep pretending... and maybe Jean felt the same as you?

You could only hope it would be so easy.

Making your way through the seemingly endless hallways of Armin's house, you finally reached the front entrance where you were surprised to find Mikasa putting on her shoes and wrapping her self up in a jacket and scarf.

"Oh— hi Mikasa." You smiled bashfully, concerned about whether or not she was aware of what happened between you and her two best friends last night.

"Hey y/n." She says softly, making sure to be mindful of the fact that you've most likely got a splitting headache right now. "You headed home? I can give you a ride."

Your plan was to just order an Uber but you liked this option much better. You liked Mikasa— although you didn't know her well, all of your interactions have been pleasant. Plus, she was absolutely gorgeous. Maybe this would be an opportunity to make a new friend... to put yourself out there and not shy away, per usual.

"Sure, I'd appreciate that so much!"

Shit, you were a little too overzealous. Now she probably thinks you're strange, if she didn't already find you that way to begin with. She simply smiles in response, motioning you to follow her out to the car with a nod of her head. You obey, following closely behind her until she stops in front of the passenger side door, and opening it for you.

"Thank you." You respond, subconsciously watching her walk over to the driver's side with each gentle sway of her hips.

The inside of the car was warm and inviting, a bit different from her typical intimidating demeanor— not that you were intimidated by Mikasa herself, it was just that she held such a powerful aura... that, and the fact that she looked as if she could kill you with her bare hands.

Admittedly you've caught her durning her early morning jogs, rippled abs and thigh muscles on display as droplets of sweat rolled through the cleavage of her sports bra—

"Hey, y/n? You listening?"

Her voice interrupts your thoughts just in the nick of time, although you sputter to find the right response since you most definitely weren't listening to a single word she said.

"Sorry, guess I zoned out." You apologize with an awkward smile. "What were you saying?"

"Nevermind, we're already here." She responds, her tone maintains a saccharine lilt as she puts the car in park outside of your apartment building.

How long had you zoned out for? Never mind the fact that you needed to stop by Connie's place, but you really didn't want to put Mikasa out of her way regardless, so you figured you can just go back out later.

Truthfully you just wanted to go home— as much as you didn't want to face the ugly conversation that remained to be said, you missed being in the comfort of your own living space. Jean would be at work by now, so luckily you had most of the day to settle in amongst the peace and tranquillity before the storm.

The two of you made small talk on the way up the stairs to your floor— Mikasa is a fairly reserved individual, you can appreciate that aspect since it can sometimes be exhausting for an introvert such as yourself to deal with so many outgoing people (you would know first hand). Mikasa was a breath of fresh air, someone you could see yourself getting a long with quite easily.

"Remember what I said, y/n. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here." She reiterated, walking you to your door as she senses your hesitation to go inside. "I know it's not really my business, but—"

"Thank you, Mikasa... for the ride home, for the offer... I appreciate all of it." You were much more levelheaded when you said it this time, and she responds in kind with a gentle touch of your arm.

She quickly disappears into her apartment across the hall and you turn to face your own as you begin to unlock the door. You're surprised for the second time today when the door swings open from the inside by a hand that's not your own. Your widened eyes find Jean's gaze of brown as he stares back at you, expression all the same— frightened, as if he had just seen a ghost.

"Jean... I thought you'd be—"