lynx

She stared at him, searching his face for something or anything that might explain why he was acting so distant. But Eren had already shifted his gaze to the others. Jean, Connie, and Mikasa all started speaking at once.

"Where the hell have you been?!"

"Do you have any idea what's been happening?"

"Why didn't you come to us?"

Eren raised a hand, silencing them. "Not now."

Hange cleared her throat, regaining control of the conversation. "As I was saying," she continued, adjusting her glasses,

"Maeve is currently being held in the dungeon in Wall Sina."

The room went silent.

"Who?" Jean asked, brows furrowed.

Mikasa frowned. "Maeve?"

"My fiancée," Eren said without hesitation.

The air seemed to shift. Mikasa's body went rigid. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and for a moment, she thought she misheard him.

"Fiancée?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. Jean and Connie exchanged shocked glances

Mikasa's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She didn't want to believe it. Eren had never once mentioned another woman. He had always been distant, always pushing her away, but this... this was something else entirely. She turned her eyes to Armin, searching for an answer, but the look he gave her was all the confirmation she needed. It was true.

"Armin and I have come up with a plan to get Maeve out of the dungeon, but we need to act fast. The MPs won't keep her alive forever, not if they think she's tied to Eren." Hange, unfazed by the tension, continued.

Levi leaned back against the table, arms crossed. "Does she have any other family?"

"Her only family is in the main village, but I doubt she'd help us considering their village was raided. Her parents were kicked out when they had her." Eren exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face.

"If they were kicked out, that means Maeve's biological grandparents are still alive." Armin straightened at that.

"And if they were kicked out, that means they were probably part of a noble family," Hange added. "Only nobles have the power to disown their own kin like that."

"So, we find the noble family who threw her parents away." Levi's gaze darkened.

Eren's fists clenched. "And we get her back."

--

Maeve sat on the cold stone floor of her cell, her back resting against the damp wall. Her wrists ached from the constant strain of being shackled, her throat burned from the endless questioning, and her head pounded from the lack of sleep. Days had passed.. at least, she thought so. It was hard to tell anymore. There were no windows in this godforsaken place, no way to track the sun or the moon. The only measure of time she had was the routine of the MPs dragging her out of her cell, sitting her down in a dimly lit room, and interrogating her for hours on end.

"Tell us the truth, Maeve. How long have you known Eren Yeager?"

She had lost count of how many times they had asked her the same question.

"I didn't know who he was."

"How long have you been working with him?"

"I wasn't working with him."

"You mean to tell us you lived under the same roof as the most wanted man in the world, and you had no idea?"

"Yes," she snapped, exhaustion making her temper flare. "I told you already—I didn't know who he was! He told me his name was Kruger! If I had known, do you really think I would've just—just let him stay?"

But they didn't believe her. They never did. She hadn't been physically tortured. not yet, at least, but the mental exhaustion was getting to her. They were trying to break her down, keep her on edge, make her slip up.

She wouldn't.

But god, she was so tired.

Maeve let her head fall back against the wall, closing her eyes, trying to find some moment of peace in the chaos. But all she could think about was him.

Kruger.

Or rather, Eren Yeager.

The man who had been living with her, sleeping beside her, sharing meals with her, was the same man who had wiped out the world beyond the walls. She wanted to be furious. She wanted to scream, to cry, to demand answers from him.

But more than anything, she just wanted to see him.

To look into his eyes and ask him..

was any of it real?

Maeve curled into herself, wrapping her arms around her knees as she tried to steady her breathing. The walls of the cell felt smaller with each passing second, suffocating her in silence. She had every right to hate him. Eren had lied to her about who he was, about his past, about everything. He had stayed in her home, touched her with hands that had once commanded the deaths of millions. And yet, despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to despise him.

She should. She should hate him.

But she didn't.

Because now, sitting alone in the dark, all she could think about was how much pain he must have been in. How hard it must have been for him to trust people. How terrified he must have been, living every day knowing that the world wanted him dead. How lonely he must have felt. Maeve let out a shaky breath, pressing her forehead against her arms. Even now, even after everything.. after the lies, the betrayal, the heartbreak, she still thought of him.

Was he looking for her? Or had he already given up?

She didn't know.

But what she did know was that despite her anger, despite the confusion, despite the pain, she still loved him. She wanted to be mad at him. She was mad at him. But deep down, she knew the truth. No matter what he had done, no matter who he was, when the time came, she would accept him.

For everything he was.

For everything he wasn't.

Because in the end, it was still him, and all she wanted right now was to be with him again.

Maeve's body tensed as the heavy cell door creaked open. It wasn't the darkness that sent a chill down her spine, it was the sight of Draco standing in the doorway, flanked by two officers.

"Still not ready to talk?" His voice was smooth, almost mocking. Maeve glared at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. She had nothing to say to him.

"I had hoped you'd be more cooperative, but it seems like we'll have to take a different approach." He nodded toward his men, and before she could react, they grabbed her arms, yanking her to her feet.

"Get your hands off me!" she snarled, trying to twist free, but they dragged her out of the cell and down the hall. She struggled, kicking at them, but her strength was no match against their grip. The room they brought her to was dimly lit, barren except for a single wooden table in the center. Her stomach churned with unease.

"Put her there," Draco ordered lazily.

Maeve fought harder, but they forced her forward, slamming her upper body against the table. Her arms were held down, and one of the officers kicked her legs apart. Panic rose in her throat.

He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "Every time you lie, every time you refuse to answer, you will feel it."

A moment later, the first lash came down. A sharp crack echoed in the room, followed by a searing explosion of pain across the back of her thighs. Maeve gasped, her nails digging into the splintered wood.

"Who else knows about Yeager?" Draco's voice was calm, patient. There's no way she's gonna let her friends get caught up in this mess.

Maeve bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. She wouldn't break.

Another lash.

She clenched her jaw as the fire burned through her legs.

"How long have you known his identity?"

She refused to answer. Another lash.. harder this time. Her body jerked forward from the force, her breath coming out in ragged pants.

"Where is he now?"

Crack.

Maeve's vision blurred. The pain was unbearable, but she wouldn't give them what they wanted.

"Nothing to say?" Draco chuckled, twirling the whip in his hand. "I expected more from you, Maeve. Surely you must feel betrayed. Lied to. Used."

She squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to let his words sink in. Another lash tore through her skin. Her legs trembled, her breathing uneven.

Draco's voice was softer now, deceptively gentle. "Eren Yeager never cared for you, Maeve. He only stayed with you because he had nowhere else to go. You were nothing but a temporary hiding place."

The words hurt more than the whip ever could. Maeve had told herself she was angry at him, but even now, with her body in agony, her heart ached for Eren.

Was he looking for her? Was he even alive?

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wouldn't break. She wouldn't give them what they wanted.

Another lash.

She swallowed hard, pushing herself up onto her elbows just as the cell door screeched open. Three men entered; two were soldiers with stern, faceless figures in MP uniforms. The third was Draco; he knelt before her, a smug smirk on his face.

"Maeve.. or should I say Maeve Belmont, you've been quite the troublemaker, haven't you?"

Maeve glared at him. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Draco chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, you poor, clueless girl."

He motioned to the soldiers, and they stepped forward, grabbing her arms and yanking her to her feet. She bit her lip, refusing to wince at the pain.

"We're going to make this simple. Tell us what you know about Kruger."

Maeve stiffened. She forced her face to remain blank. "Kruger?"

"Don't play dumb. We know you've been living with him."

"He's my fiancé. What about him?" She clenched her fists, forcing herself to keep calm.

"Your fiancé, huh? Is that what he told you?"

A sick feeling curled in Maeve's stomach. Something about his tone made her uneasy. Draco leaned in closer, his voice a whisper now, almost taunting.

"Did he ever tell you his real name?"

Maeve's pulse quickened. "What...?"

Draco straightened, turning to one of the soldiers. The man reached into his coat, pulling out a worn piece of parchment. He held it up, letting the dim torchlight illuminate the image. Maeve's breath hitched. It was a portrait. A wanted poster, the face on it.. those sharp green eyes, that long dark hair was unmistakable.

Her entire body went numb.

Draco watched her reaction with satisfaction. "His name isn't Kruger." He took a step closer, his voice dripping with amusement.

"The man you've been living with, sharing a home with, a bed with, is none other than Eren Yeager."

Maeve's heart stopped.

No.

No, that couldn't be right.

Eren?

The same Eren Yeager who was responsible for the Rumbling? The one the entire world wanted dead?

The room spun. She felt like the walls were closing in, like the ground beneath her had crumbled away, leaving her weightless, suspended in a freefall with no end. A million thoughts raced through her mind, each one louder than the last. Was this why he never talked about his past? Was this why he never let her ask too many questions? Had he been lying to her this entire time?

Every moment they had shared.. every smile, every touch, every whispered conversation in the dead of night— had it all been a lie?

"You had no idea, did you? You poor little ignorant thing. Must be devastating to realize that your fiancée is a murderer." Draco grinned, taking in her shaken expression.

Maeve felt like she couldn't breathe. Kruger was actually Eren Yeager. The man who committed genocide And she had been protecting him all this time. She swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to force herself to speak, but no words came out.

"Did you really think he loved you? God, you must feel so stupid right now."

"Think about it." He leaned in, his voice low and venomous. "Eren Yeager, the most wanted man on this island, just so happens to stumble upon you, a girl in the middle of nowhere, and what? Falls in love? Settles down?" He laughed.

"Use your brain, Maeve. You were a convenience. A cover."

Maeve clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Draco saw the way her lips pressed together, how her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and he knew his words were cutting deep.

"He needed a place to hide, and you were naïve enough to give him one. Did you really think you changed him? That you, out of all people, could save him?"

"Wake up, Eren Yeager doesn't love anyone. He's a murderer, a liar, a monster. And now, thanks to you, we have him exactly where we want him."

He leaned in closer, his voice a whisper now. "He used you. Every smile, every touch, every sweet word, none of it was real. You were nothing but a pawn."

No.

Eren... wouldn't do that.

Would he?

Maeve felt like the walls were caving in. Doubt clawed at her, suffocating and relentless.

"Look at you. You're pathetic, sitting here, still hoping that maybe, just maybe, it was real." Draco pulled back, studying her with amusement. Maeve's vision blurred with tears.

Draco turned to the guards. "She's useless now. Lock her up."

The soldiers grabbed her roughly, dragging her toward the door. Draco's parting words rang in her ears like a death sentence.

"Eren Yeager is going to die, and it's all thanks to you."

The other man in the room, Draco, the current head of the Military Police, arched a brow at her outburst, but he remained silent, hands folded in front of him as he observed.

"What did you do this time, Althessa?" Alfred sighed heavily.

The girl gawked at her father, scandalized. "What I did? I did nothing! I was only asking about him, and he just—brushed me off! Like I was some annoying little bug! Do you have any idea how humiliating that was? No man has ever treated me like that before!"

Draco exhaled sharply, clearly losing patience. "With all due respect, Miss Althessa, we have more pressing matters than your bruised pride—"

"Oh, no, you don't understand," she cut him off, leaning forward. "This is important. There's something wrong with him. He wasn't even flustered by me! And then he had the audacity to praise Maeve instead of—"

"Enough," Alfred interjected, rubbing his forehead. He turned toward Draco with an apologetic look. "My daughter has a tendency to over-exaggerate things."

"I do not—"

Alfred ignored her. "Though, I have been meaning to bring this up." He leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowing. "That young man... Kruger, was it? Something about him is familiar."

Draco's expression didn't change, but his fingers tapped thoughtfully against the table. "Kruger, you said?"

"Yes," Alfred confirmed. "He claims to be Maeve's fiancé, though I never heard of him before he suddenly appeared in the village."

Draco tilted his head, a slow realization dawning in his sharp eyes. "...Kruger." He said the name carefully, as if testing the weight of it. Then, suddenly, his lips curled into a smirk.

"Now that is interesting."

Both Alfred and Althessa frowned at his tone. Draco reached into his coat, pulling out a folded piece of parchment. He smoothed it out and turned it toward them. On the paper was a well-drawn portrait of a young man with sharp features, wild hair, and piercing teal-green eyes.

"This," Draco said, tapping the image, "is Eren Yeager."

Alfred's blood ran cold. Althessa blinked.

Draco leaned in, studying their faces. "Tell me, does Kruger look like this?"

Alfred's mouth went dry. His mind flashed back to the man who had stood at Maeve's doorstep, the way he carried himself, his quiet presence. The resemblance was undeniable.

"...Yes," he admitted hesitantly. "That does look like him."

Althessa squinted at the portrait. "Wait... now that you mention it..." She gasped, turning back to Draco. "Are you saying that Kruger is actually this guy? Eren Yeager?"

Draco chuckled, dark amusement flickering in his eyes. "So he is hiding in your little village, how convenient." he mused.

Alfred's hands curled into fists. "That man..." His voice was grave. "He's dangerous, isn't he?"

"Extremely," Draco confirmed. "He's the one responsible for the Rumbling. He wiped out the entire world beyond the Walls. And now, the government wants his head." He folded his arms.

"We were already narrowing our search to villages outside the city, but this makes things much easier."

Althessa paled. "But—he's been living with Maeve all this time?" She recoiled as if she had touched something filthy.

Draco stood up, dusting off his coat. "Well, then," he said smoothly, adjusting his collar. "It looks like we have a ghost to catch."

Alfred hesitated. "...You're going after him?"

"Of course," Draco said simply. "And we won't hesitate to kill him."

Althessa's mouth fell open in shock. Alfred sat stiffly in his chair, his mind racing.

Draco smirked again, his sharp gaze flickering toward them. "Thank you for the valuable information," he said. "Don't worry—you won't have to deal with Maeve's fiancé for much longer."

Then, with a swish of his coat, he strode out of the office.

"Gather the squad," he ordered. "We move in tonight."

The soldier straightened. "Sir, what are our orders?"

Draco's smirk widened. "Enter the village, raid the houses—search everywhere. If anyone resists, handle them accordingly. But most importantly..." His voice dropped, laced with cold amusement. "Find Eren Yeager. And if he doesn't come quietly—kill him. Take the girl."

The soldier saluted. "Understood, sir."

As Draco exited the office, Alfred and Althessa remained frozen in place, the weight of what had just transpired sinking in. The village would soon be swarming with Military Police, and by the time the sun rose, everything would change.

--

Eren stood at the kitchen sink, drying the last of the dishes, when an uneasy feeling crept over him. It was that instinctual sense, the kind he had developed over years of battle, of being hunted, of always having to stay one step ahead. His grip on the plate tightened, his muscles tensing.

Then, a low growl.

Betty, usually relaxed at this time of night, stood rigid near the door, her fur bristling, teeth bared at the darkness beyond the window. Eren didn't hesitate. He placed the plate down quietly and grabbed the nearest knife before heading outside. He moved carefully, his steps soundless on the wooden porch as his sharp eyes scanned the darkness. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and grass, but there was something else. Then, just beyond the fence, barely visible under the faint moonlight, a figure stood.

"Eren."

Eren exhaled sharply, lowering the knife. The voice was unmistakable. Armin.

He took a step forward, his expression unreadable. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Armin hesitated before stepping into the light. His face looked thinner, his usual bright eyes clouded with exhaustion. He wore a cloak over simple clothes, but Eren could tell by the way he moved that he was prepared to run or fight if necessary.

"We need to talk," Armin said, his voice urgent yet quiet. Eren glanced back at the house before nodding.

"Not here."He led Armin through the trees, deeper into the woods where no one could overhear them. The moment they stopped, Armin turned to face him, his expression serious.

"The MPs are closing in on you," he began. "They've been searching for months, and now they know you're in Wall Maria. They're planning to raid every village to find you."

Eren's jaw clenched. He had expected this, but hearing it out loud made the threat feel all too real.

"They won't find me," he said simply.

Armin shook his head. "They'll burn everything down if they have to. They're desperate, and they're terrified of what you can do. If they find you, they'll kill you."

Eren didn't respond. His hands curled into fists.

Armin stepped closer. "Come with us. We've been hiding from the government too. We'll keep you safe."

Eren scoffed. "Safe?" He turned away. "That's funny, coming from you."

Armin sighed. "I know you don't want to trust me, but I'm telling you the truth. You have a better chance with us than on your own."

"I'm not alone."

Armin's expression darkened. "Yeah. We know."

Eren froze.

"We've been watching the village for days, making sure the MPs weren't already onto you," Armin continued. "And in that time, we saw her."

Eren's heart pounded.

"You're living with a woman, Eren," Armin pressed. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that is for her?"

Eren remained silent.

"She doesn't know who you are, does she?" Armin's voice was softer now, almost disappointed.

Still, Eren said nothing.

Armin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Dammit, Eren." He shook his head. "You're putting her in danger. If the MPs find out she's harboring you, she'll be labeled a traitor. Do you really want that for her?"

Eren gritted his teeth. "I know what I'm doing."

"Do you? Because it sure as hell doesn't seem like it." Armin asked sharply. He took a breath before continuing.

"What about Mikasa?"

Eren's entire body went rigid.

Armin continued. "She's been looking for you, you know. She—"

"I don't feel that way about her anymore."

Armin's words faltered. "...What?"

Eren exhaled. "I still care about her, but... my feelings changed." His mind flashed with an image of Maeve... her smile, her laughter, the way she made his world feel peaceful again.

"Eren..."

There was a moment of silence between them before Eren finally spoke again.

"I won't go with you," he said firmly.

Armin's expression tightened, but before he could argue, Eren added, "Not unless Maeve comes with me."

Armin hesitated, clearly considering the risks. After a long pause, he finally nodded. "Fine."

Just as they turned to head back, a terrible sound reached their ears.

Shouting. Eren's blood ran cold.

His head snapped toward the direction of the house, his stomach twisting as he saw the glow of torches and the dark figures on horseback surrounding it. His feet moved before his mind could process what was happening, but Armin grabbed his arm.

"Eren, wait!"

"She's in there!" Eren snarled, trying to yank free.

"If you go now, they'll kill you!" Armin hissed, gripping him tightly.

Eren's entire world blurred as he watched the MPs drag Maeve out of the house. His ears were ringing, drowning out every sound except for her voice. She was fighting, kicking, struggling, twisting her body to break free but the soldiers were too strong, too many.

"Let go of me!" Maeve screamed, her voice laced with fury and fear. "I haven't done anything wrong!"

One of the men yanked her arms behind her back, forcing her onto her knees. Another grabbed a fistful of her hair, tilting her head up.

"This the one?" a soldier asked.

Draco, the MP head, dismounted his horse, stepping closer. "Yeah. That's her."

Maeve's breath hitched. "What...?"

The soldier holding her scoffed. "Tch. So much trouble for some no-name village girl."

Maeve's eyes flashed with defiance, but the fear was there too, creeping into her expression. She had no idea why this was happening, why these men were here, why they knew her name. Eren's body trembled with rage. His instincts screamed at him to move, to fight, to tear through every single one of them until Maeve was safe in his arms. But Armin's grip on his arm was like iron, holding him back.

"If you go now, they'll kill you," Armin repeated, his voice urgent. "Eren, you can't save her if you die."

Eren's fists clenched so tightly that his nails cut into his palms. His jaw was locked, his entire body tense, his breathing ragged. Maeve was right there, within reach. And yet, all he could do was stand there, helpless, watching her get taken.

Then, one of the soldiers struck her. Eren saw red.

Maeve's head snapped to the side, her body recoiling from the force of the blow. A sharp gasp left her lips, and for a moment, she swayed, dazed. But she didn't fall. She lifted her head again, glaring up at them with fire in her eyes. The soldiers chuckled at her defiance.

Draco crouched down to her level, his voice cold and calculating. "You're coming with us. If you cooperate, you might just make it out of this alive."

Eren felt something snap inside of him. His entire body tensed, every muscle in his being screaming to act. He had to do something. He had to save her.

But he couldn't. He forced himself to breathe, to think past the rage clouding his mind. His eyes locked onto Maeve's, silently promising her that he wasn't going to let this happen. That he was going to get her back.

Maeve's gaze flickered toward the trees—toward him. For a second, he thought she saw him. And then, she was yanked onto her feet, shoved toward one of the horses. Eren watched as they bound her hands and threw her onto the saddle like she was nothing more than cargo.

His heart pounded, his breath shallow. Armin's grip on his arm tightened.

"We'll get her back, I promise." Eren said nothing. Because right now, there were no words, only fury. Only helplessness.

Maeve was taken.

Eren let out a small chuckle. It was all too familiar; it was just like the night when he had woken up from his nightmare, trembling and vulnerable, only to find her there comforting him without hesitation. He had been embarrassed back then, but now? He just wished moments like this could last forever. His gaze softened as he looked down at her peaceful sleeping face. He carefully raised a hand, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She looked so calm, so beautiful.

How could someone like him deserve this? Reality weighed down on him like a stone in his chest.

He was still a Titan shifter. He still had three years left. Three years, yet people were still hunting him like an animal. Even if he wanted to, even if he wished with all his heart, there was no place for him in this peaceful life. He clenched his jaw and shook those thoughts away. Right now, he had this moment, and he wouldn't let his own mind ruin it. With careful movements, he shifted Maeve's arm off him, making sure not to wake her. He sat up, running a hand through his hair before silently slipping out of bed.

The house was quiet as hemoved through the kitchen. By now, he had memorized where everything was, the way Maeve liked to organize the spices, the slightly stiff cabinet door that needed an extra push to close, the small teapot she always used in the morning. Before, he wouldn't have imagined himself doing something as simple as making breakfast for someone. His life had always been about getting revenge on the titans, about fighting, about moving forward with no time to stop and enjoy anything.

... but here he was.

Chopping vegetables. Heating up a pan. Watching the morning sunlight filter through the kitchen window.

It was... peaceful.

Eren sighed, shaking his head with a small smirk. Who would've thought he'd find himself here? After finishing breakfast, he placed Maeve's portion on the table before grabbing his coat and stepping outside. The animals were already awake, stirring in their pens, waiting for their daily feeding. Since staying here, he had learned all their names, Maeve had made sure of that.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," he muttered as the goats bleated impatiently.

He moved through his usual routine, feeding them and making sure everything was in order. It was almost ridiculous how natural this had become for him. He never would've imagined himself tending to animals, let alone talking to them. Yet, here he was.

"You're getting too spoiled, Marigold," Eren said, eyeing the once-shy goat that has now always tried to steal extra food. "I saw that."

The goat only blinked at him before nudging his hand.

Eren huffed. "Yeah, yeah. Don't think you're slick."

He moved to check on the chickens next, muttering under his breath about how ridiculous it was that he was even talking to animals. He stopped for a moment, realizing what he was doing.

"...I've lost it," he said to himself, rubbing his forehead.

Despite that, he still continued. It was peaceful, and it kept his mind from wandering too far into thoughts he didn't want to deal with yet. As he walked past the dog shed, his thoughts briefly drifted to Lloyd, the annoying bastard who had tried to win Maeve over. Eren frowned. The mere memory of that guy made his mood sour. However, before he could dwell on it too much, an unfamiliar yet irritatingly high-pitched voice interrupted his peace.

"Oh my! You must be Maeve's fiancé."

Eren turned, already feeling the headache forming. A girl stood before him, her golden blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her dress pristine and clearly expensive compared to the usual village attire. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity... and something else? She was smiling at him in a way that made him instantly suspicious.

"...Who's asking?" Eren said, uninterested.

The girl giggled, stepping closer. "Althessa. My father is the village chief. Nice meeting you Mister. I'm sure Maeve has mentioned me."

No she didn't.

Eren didn't say anything, but his sharp gaze stayed on her. Althessa didn't seem bothered by his lack of response. Instead, she tilted her head, inspecting him shamelessly.

"I was quite surprised to hear that Maeve finally got herself a fiancé," she continued, crossing her arms. "She's never been the type to attract men."

Eren's eyes narrowed.

Althessa sighed dramatically. "I mean, don't get me wrong, she's alright—but don't you think she's a little... rough? Too independent, too closed off? At least that's what the men of our village thought of her."

"Is there a point to this conversation?" Eren exhaled sharply through his nose. She blinked, clearly not expecting such bluntness. But she quickly recovered, placing a hand on her chest.

"I'm just saying," she said sweetly, stepping even closer, "you don't seem like the type of man who would settle for someone like Maeve. Someone like me would be more suited for you."

Eren's lips curled in amusement. He almost laughed.

Almost.

Instead, he tilted his head, studying her. "You're not very smart, are you?"

Althessa stiffened. "E-Excuse me?"

"That just proves you don't know a damn thing about her, yet here you are talking all kinds of shit about her." Eren crossed his arms, unimpressed.

Althessa's mouth opened, but Eren didn't give her a chance to interrupt.

"Right in front of me, her fiancé at that." His voice was unwavering. "I know for sure she's tough, and she can handle herself. Knows her worth as well, I'd say I'm lucky she chose me to be her man. 'Tough' right? I bet they called her that because she never really gave any of them a chance."

"I wonder if they would say the same thing about you?"

Althessa's face burned red—whether from embarrassment or anger, Eren didn't care.

"I—Well, I—"

"Are you done?" he cut her off, raising an eyebrow.

Althessa let out an irritated huff before turning on her heel. "Hmph! Enjoy your time with her while it lasts," she said dramatically before storming away.

Eren watched her go, shaking his head in amusement.

He turned back to the animals, sighing. "That was annoying."

Still, despite the interruption, his mood had significantly improved. His thoughts drifted back to Maeve, to waking up next to her, to the warmth of her embrace. If only he could freeze time and stay like this forever.

"Kruger?"

His heart skipped a beat.

There she was, barefoot and wrapped in one of her oversized nightshirts, blinking at him in confusion. She looked so soft, so utterly unguarded, and the sight of her like this, so natural, so his, made something deep in his chest tighten. He had fallen for her, but moments like these only made him fall even harder.

"Who were you talking to?" she asked, voice still hoarse from sleep. Stretching a little before stepping down onto the porch, tilting her head at him.

Eren glanced at the direction Althessa had left, then back at Maeve. The irritation that had lingered from that brief, annoying encounter melted away just by looking at her. He shrugged, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"Someone unimportant."

Maeve hummed in response, not questioning it further. Instead, she padded over to him, resting her forehead against his back with a tired sigh. "Too early..." she mumbled.

Eren chuckled under his breath, warmth spreading in his chest. He covered one of her hands with his own, giving it a small squeeze.

"Go back to sleep."

"You're certain?" one of the men asked skeptically. "After all these years, you think she's still alive?"

"The information is solid," another replied, voice hushed but firm. "There were always whispers, but now we have a lead."

A scoff. "A lead isn't proof."

A third man, older with deep lines carved into his face, leaned back in his chair. "We spoke to an old contact," he said, his voice rough. "A woman who used to work with them, even took them in to her village when the man died."

"Then?"

"She didn't say much," the older man admitted, fingers idly tracing the rim of his glass. "But what she did know was enough."

The hooded figure finally looked up, eyes gleaming under the dim lantern light.

"All I know," the older man continued, his voice carrying the weight of a long-buried truth, "is that Yzobel and that poor boy that impregnated her settled somewhere in the outskirts of Wall Maria."

--

Maeve sat comfortably at the kitchen table, her fingers wrapped around a mug of freshly brewed coffee. She exhaled contentedly, enjoying the moment of quiet. Kruger sat across from her, leaning back in his chair, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. She was always like this at the end of the day, relaxed and lost in her own world as she sipped on her drink, unaware of how soft and serene she looked in these moments. Then, breaking the silence, Kruger suddenly asked,

"Do you think I can sleep in your room now?"

Maeve nearly choked on her coffee. The moment the words registered, she coughed violently, struggling to keep from completely embarrassing herself. A few drops of the hot liquid spilled onto her hands, making her wince.

"What?!" she blurted out, wide-eyed.

Kruger grinned, clearly entertained by her reaction. "You heard me."

"What kind of question is that?!" Maeve stared at him, cheeks burning.

"I mean, I've been sleeping on the couch for a while now. I figured, since things between us have changed..." He trailed off, his smirk widening as he watched her squirm in her seat.

Maeve opened and closed her mouth, struggling to form a coherent response. "T-That's...!" She took a deep breath, placing her mug down before she could spill more coffee. "You can't just say things like that so casually!"

Kruger tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Why not?"

"Because—!" She groaned, covering her face with her hands.

"Because it sounds... it sounds inappropriate!"

"I didn't say I'd do anything. I just asked if I could sleep there. You're the one making it sound like something else." He chuckled, resting his chin on his hand.  Maeve peeked at him through her fingers, feeling her face heat up even more. He was enjoying this. Way too much.

"You're impossible," she muttered, finally dropping her hands.

"I was just thinking... I like being near you. It's not just about teasing you, though that part is fun," he added with a smirk, making her roll her eyes.

"I just... I sleep better when I'm around you."

Maeve felt her heart do an embarrassing flip. There was something about the way he said it so casually yet so genuine that made her stomach twist in ways she wasn't ready to admit.

"...Fine," she mumbled after a long pause, avoiding his gaze.

He raised an eyebrow. "Fine?"

She nodded, still not looking at him. "You can sleep in my room. Just—no teasing, okay?"

He grinned, leaning back in his chair. "No promises."

Maeve groaned, already regretting her decision. They did in fact, sleep next to each other. Maeve lay on her side, staring at the ceiling, her mind restless. She could hear his slow, steady breathing beside her, but she knew he wasn't asleep either. It was strange, having him here in the same bed, sharing the same space in such an intimate way. The thought made her heart race all over again.

"...You're not sleeping," Kruger finally spoke, his voice low and soft in the darkness.

Maeve sighed, rolling onto her side to face him. Even in the dim light, she could make out the sharp angles of his face, his hair slightly tousled from lying down. His eyes, usually intense and unreadable, were softer now.

"I can't," she admitted. Kruger hummed in understanding before turning his gaze to the ceiling. There was a beat of silence before he spoke again.

"I used to have trouble sleeping all the time," he murmured. "Especially when I was traveling."

Maeve blinked, surprised by the sudden confession. She stayed quiet, letting him continue.

"I never really had a destination. I just kept moving, never stopping for too long in one place," he said. His voice was distant, as if he were speaking more to himself than to her. "I was a runaway. Not in the way people normally run away. I wasn't just running from a place. I was running from everything. From my past, my choices, from... myself."

Maeve felt a small pang in her chest. She had never asked him about where he came from, knowing that he would tell her in his own time. And now, here he was, slowly unraveling parts of himself.

"I had nothing," he continued. "No home, no purpose. And at some point, I started thinking... maybe I should just disappear completely."

Maeve inhaled sharply, her grip tightening around the blanket. "Kruger..."

"I was so tired," he confessed. "Tired of thinking, tired of feeling. My life felt like it's... too much. Too full. Too full of pain, of regrets, of things I couldn't change. It felt like I had already lived too much, and there was no space left for anything else." He let out a bitter chuckle.

Maeve swallowed the lump in her throat. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air between them.

"-but then I met you."

Her breath hitched. Kruger turned his head slightly, looking at her now. His expression was unreadable, but there was something deep in his gaze, vulnerability.

"At first, I was just annoyed," he admitted, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You were too kind. I was a stranger yet you treated me warmly. It made no sense to me. I kept thinking, 'There's no way someone like this actually exists.'"

Maeve let out a small, breathy laugh. "Wow. Thanks."

"I thought... maybe you'd betray me, too. That at some point, you'd realize I wasn't worth your kindness, and you'd turn your back on me like everyone else."Her heart ached at his words.

"But you didn't," he said, his voice quieter now. "You never did. No matter how distant I tried to be, you stayed. I started to feel like maybe... I could stop running."

Maeve felt her chest tighten, warmth spreading through her entire body.

"I don't know when it happened," he continued, his fingers absentmindedly brushing against the blanket. "But ever since I met you, it's like... my world started to have color again."

Maeve's breath hitched. Eren turned fully to face her now, propping himself up on one elbow. His gaze was steady, piercing, like he was trying to make sure she understood every word he was about to say.

"You make me want to live, Maeve."

The words sent a shiver down her spine. She could barely breathe, her heart hammering against her chest. It wasn't just the words, it was the way he said them, the way he looked at her, like she was something irreplaceable. Maeve's lips parted, but no words came out. What was she supposed to say to that? How was she supposed to respond when her entire body was trembling from the weight of his confession?

"You're such an idiot," she murmured, but there was no malice in her tone. Before Eren could respond, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Her hand cupped his cheek, and her lips met his in a sudden, searing kiss.

He froze for a second, his consciousness blanking, but then he melted into her, bringing his hands to her waist and kissing her back with equal intensity. The world outside vanished, leaving only the two of them, immersed in the intensity of the moment. Her fingers twisted in his hair, drawing him closer, and his grip on her tightened, his body reacting instinctively. The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as their passion grew. She shifted, straddling his lap and pushed against him. His hands roamed her back, bringing her closer as their movements became more intense. The contact between them drove sparks through his veins, and he could feel her heart beating along with his.

But, as the heat threatened to consume them, Kruger pulled back, breaking the kiss with a shaking breath. His forehead pressed against hers, his chest heaving as he struggled to regain control.

He muttered, "Maeve...wait," his voice strained. "We... we can't."

Maeve blinked, her lips still parted, her own breath coming in short gasps. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration and longing.

"Because... because if we go any further, I won't be able to stop, and I don't want to mess this up. You mean too much to me."

Maeve looked at him, her gaze softening. She moved a strand of hair away from his face, her touch soft.

"You're such a fool," she murmured, yet her voice was affectionate. She moved in for a gentler, slower kiss on his lips before drawing away. "But I guess that's why I like you."

Kruger smiled faintly, his heart still racing. "Does this mean you feel the same way?"

"What do you think, genius?"

They sat there for a minute, the tension fading and giving way to a calm understanding. The night went on, and even though the intensity of that moment had disappeared, the bond between them became stronger than ever.

-----

Armin, on the other hand, immediately stood up, sensing the urgency. "Connie? What's wrong?"

"It's—it's happening! The MPs are moving!" Connie leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees as he panted. That caught everyone's attention. Levi's brows furrowed.

"Be more specific."

"I just got word from one of our informants. The Military Police are heading to the villages in Wall Maria. They're searching for Eren. Silence blanketed the room. Armin's stomach dropped, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as he processed the words.

"They're actually doing it?" Hange finally spoke, their voice low and serious.

Connie nodded grimly. "And that's not all. They've been ordered not to hesitate to kill him if he resists."

"Tch. Of course, those bastards would rather kill him than let him live." Levi's eyes sharpened dangerously. Armin's breathing grew uneven. This is bad. If the MPs were seriously sweeping through Wall Maria, that meant they were running out of time.

"Do they know exactly where he is?" Armin asked, his voice tight with concern.

Connie shook his head. "No, not yet. But they're checking every village far from the cities. If they haven't already, they'll find some lead soon. However, I do have a potential candidates for the villages that Eren might be staying at. It can either be Wesmere and Thalenburg. Both villages are hours away from the city, people from that town rarely go into the city, thus most of them are unaware of what's happening in the city."

"Which could also possible mean that Eren chose to stay to one of those villages as he knew the there was a great chance that none of the people knew who he was?" Mikasa asked, Connie nodded in response.

"Damn it. We knew this was a possibility, but I didn't think they'd still be this persistent." Hange exhaled sharply, running a hand through their hair.

"We need to get to him first." Levi stood up, adjusting his cravat. Hange's gaze darkened as they grabbed a map of Wall Maria from their desk and spread it out.

"We need to find Eren before they do. We can't let them find him. If he's caught, it's over."

--

The village market was lively as usual, with the warm sun casting golden hues over the bustling street. The scent of freshly baked bread and dried herbs filled the air, mingling with the occasional whiff of livestock and soil. Maeve adjusted the woven basket on her hip, mentally checking off the list of supplies they needed for the next two weeks.

She had left Kruger back at the farm to tend to the animals, something he had insisted on doing. Maeve was grateful, having an extra pair of hands to help with the endless farm work had been a relief. She also knew that he wasn't particularly fond of crowds, so she appreciated that he had stayed behind.

Her peaceful shopping trip, however, came to an abrupt halt when a voice an "all-too-irritatingly familiar one" called out her name.

"Maeve! Maeve, woohoo!"

Her grip on the basket tightened. For the love of— She turned around, and there she was.

Althessa.

The petite blonde stood with an air of entitlement, her long curls cascading down her back, a parasol in one hand and an annoyingly smug look on her face. Dressed in a perfectly pressed sky-blue dress with lace embroidery, she was the exact opposite of Maeve—prim, proper, and a complete thorn in her side. A perfect attire for the Village Chief of Wesmere's Daughter.

Maeve exhaled sharply through her nose and forced a polite smile. "Althessa."

"Fancy meeting you here! It's been quite some time, hasn't it?" The other girl beamed, feigning innocence.

"It has." Maeve merely nodded, keeping her answers short in hopes of escaping this conversation quickly.

"So, how have you been?" Althessa asked, though her tone lacked any genuine concern.

"Fine." Althessa hummed, eyes glinting with mischief as she twirled a strand of her golden hair. Maeve could feel the real reason behind this little encounter brewing beneath her fake pleasantries.

Then, as expected, it came.

"I heard an interesting little rumor." Althessa tilted her head, voice dropping just slightly. "About you."

Maeve sighed internally. Here we go.

"Oh?" she muttered disinterestedly, pretending to examine an apple from a nearby stall.

"Yes! Apparently, you have a fiancé." Althessa leaned in slightly, her smirk widening. "Tell me, is it true?"

"It is." Maeve didn't react, continuing to inspect the apple in her hand.

Althessa blinked, clearly not expecting Maeve to answer so nonchalantly. She quickly recovered, however, and let out a dramatic gasp.

"My, my! Since when? You never struck me as the type to settle down."

Maeve clenched her jaw but kept her voice even. "It just happened."

Althessa pouted, placing a delicate hand over her chest. "And here I thought you were going to be a lonely spinster for the rest of your life. I mean, really, Maeve, a fiancé? You? What kind of man would want to marry—" She stopped, giving Maeve a once-over before letting out a small, fake laugh.

"—someone as... tough as you?"

Maeve knew what she meant. Unladylike. Unrefined. She had heard it all before.

"One that actually appreciates hard work and intelligence, I suppose." She turned to Althessa with a deadpan expression. Althessa's smile faltered for a split second before she masked it again with a laugh.

"Oh, but Maeve, you must introduce me to him! Everyone's talking about it. What's his name?"

"Kruger," Maeve said smoothly.

Althessa's brows knitted together. "Kruger? That's it? No last name?"

"That's all you need to know." She didn't know his last name either.

Althessa's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly unsatisfied with the vague answer. "And where is this mysterious fiancé of yours?"

"At home," Maeve replied curtly.

Althessa let out a hum, eyeing Maeve as if she were studying an unsolved puzzle. "How interesting," she mused, tilting her head. "I must say, I never took you for the type to hide a man away. What, is he some kind of secret?"

Maeve's patience was wearing thin.

"Not really," she said, tossing the apple she had been holding back into the pile. "But I don't feel the need to parade him around like some prize, unlike some people."

"Oh, Maeve, darling, I can't tell if you're being defensive or embarrassed." Althessa let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. Maeve smiled sweetly.

"Neither, I just don't see the point in proving something to someone who has nothing better to do than poke her nose in everyone else's business." She said. Althessa's expression froze for a moment before her lips pressed into a thin line.

Maeve picked up her basket. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have actual responsibilities to attend to." She turned on her heel, but before walking away, she added with a knowing smirk.

"Oh, and Althessa? Maybe if you stopped meddling in other people's lives, you'd have one of your own by now."

-----

ao3: leevayiee

Her two dogs were sprawled out on the wooden floor, their steady breaths blending with the faint crackling of the fireplace. Kruger let out a slow exhale, feeling unusually at peace. It was moments like this that made him question everything. His purpose, his past, his future. Maybe if things had been different, if he had been given another life, this could've been his normal. The thought made his heart ache. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice soft but curious.

"Maeve." She hummed in response, eyes still fixed on the pages of her book.

"...What was your family like?"

That made her pause. She blinked, lowering the book slightly, before looking down at him. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Just wanted to know more about you." He shrugged. She studied him for a moment before sighing, her fingers absentmindedly combing through his hair again as she stared at the ceiling.

"I used to live in the same village where Tiffany is now, the village I told you about when you left." she started, her voice distant as if recalling a dream.

"It was a small place, nothing fancy. My parents... Yzobel and Jake well, they were young when they had me. Too young, according to their them. They were kicked out, and I never knew where they originally came from."

Kruger listened intently, his green eyes watching her as she spoke.

"But they never really talked about it," she continued, a small nostalgic smile tugging at her lips. "And honestly? I didn't care. We were happy in our little home. It was just the three of us, and for a while, that was enough."

Her voice softened.

"When I turned twelve, my dad got sick. It happened so fast, we didn't even have time to prepare. No doctor, no medicine, just..." She swallowed, her fingers tightening slightly in his hair before she quickly loosened them.

"Just like that, he was gone."

He could see the way her expression darkened, the weight of old grief settling over her like a shadow.

"...That's when Gloria found us, she was selling medicine to everyone that time. She took my mom and me in, brought us to her village. She never treated us like burdens, she taught us strong. My mother especially... She became tougher, like she wanted to make sure we'd never have to rely on anyone else again."

There was a silence between them, filled only by the occasional crackle of the fire.

"...and your mom?" He asked gently. Maeve's expression hardened. She exhaled slowly.

"She died three years ago."

He noticed the shift in her tone. This was different from when she spoke about her father. The grief here wasn't just sorrow, it was frustration. Like a lingering wound that had never healed.

"...How?" Maeve hesitated, then looked she clenched her jaw.

"I don't know."

He frowned, sitting up slightly. "You don't know?"

"No one could tell me what happened. One day, she was fine, healthy, strong. The next... gone. I know it wasn't natural. I know it was murder, but no one would help me. No one cared enough to investigate." Maeve shook her head and bit her lip, her eyes burning with something deeper than sadness.

Eren felt a sharp pang in his chest. He knew that feeling all too well, the helplessness of knowing something terrible had happened, and no one giving a damn about it.

"I've been saving up for years now. I'm going to hire a lawyer, someone who can actually dig into this case. I don't care how long it takes. I just need to know."

He studied her, admiration swelling in his chest. Despite everything, despite the loss, she still pushed forward. She still fought. Without thinking, he reached for her hand. His fingers wrapped around hers, warm and steady. Maeve blinked at him in surprise.

"...You're not alone in this," he said, voice firm. Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the sincerity in his gaze.

Then, she let out a small but genuine smile. "Thanks, Kruger."

He didn't correct her. Didn't tell her his real name. Not yet. For now, he just held her hand a little tighter, silently promising himself that no matter what happened, he wouldn't let her face this alone. Maeve's hand was still warm in his, her fingers curled slightly around his own. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls, but he barely noticed. He was lost in thought, the weight of her words lingering between them.

After a long pause, he spoke.

"...My mom was killed too."

Maeve's eyes widened slightly. "What?"

He stared at their joined hands, thumb brushing absentmindedly over her knuckles. "It happened a long time ago. Back in Shiganshina."

"I was just a kid when the walls fell. The Titans broke through, and everything turned into chaos." Maeve swallowed, suddenly feeling small in the face of the horrors he must have witnessed.

"My mom.. she didn't get the chance to run. She was trapped in our house when a Titan came. I tried to help her, but..." he continued, his jaw tightening. He took a shaky breath.

"I watched her get eaten right in front of me."

Maeve's heart clenched. The pain in his voice was unmistakable, and for the first time, she saw a glimpse of just how much he had been carrying. She squeezed his hand gently, offering silent comfort.

"...I'm so sorry," she murmured.

"After that, I swore I'd kill every last Titan. That I wouldn't stop until they were all gone." Maeve could see it in his eyes, the fire and the rage that must have driven him for years.

"What about your dad?" she asked carefully. Eren hesitated, but he had already started down this path. He had to say something.

"He disappeared the same day my mom died. No one knows what happened to him. Some people think he died when the Titans attacked, but..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

"I don't think so."

Maeve frowned. "You think he's still out there?"

"I don't know. But if he is, I need to find him." He exhaled slowly. Lies.

A beat of silence passed between them. Maeve looked at him, her expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, she scooted closer, resting her forehead against his shoulder. Eren stiffened slightly but didn't move away.

"I know what it's like to lose family. To have no answers. It's awful." He closed his eyes briefly, the warmth of her presence grounding him.

"...Yeah," he admitted. "It is."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. They just sat there, lost in the shared understanding of grief, of searching for something that may never come. The moment of warmth and understanding between Maeve and Eren was cut short by a firm knock on the front door. His eyes flicked toward it, his instincts immediately sharpening. She looked up as well, startled by the sudden interruption.

"I'll get it," he said, standing up. He walked to the door, muscles tensing slightly as he pulled it open. A middle-aged man stood outside, dressed in simple yet well-kept clothes. His graying beard was neatly trimmed, and his sharp eyes immediately scanned Eren with an intensity that made him wary.

"Afternoon. The name's Alfred. I'm the chief of this village." The man offered a polite but firm nod. Eren remained silent for a moment, taking in the man's posture and tone. Something about him put Eren on edge, it felt like he suddenly wasn't just here for a casual visit.

"Oh, Alfred! Sorry, I forgot you were coming today. I'll go get the money." Maeve appeared at Eren's side and smiled at the man. She turned and made her way upstairs, leaving him alone with the village chief. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension.

Alfred studied him. "You new around here?"

"Yeah."

"What's your name?"

"Kruger."

"Kruger, huh? You remind me of someone." Alfred hummed, as if testing the name on his tongue. Eren stiffened, keeping his expression neutral.

"Have you ever served as a Scout?" Alfred's sharp eyes narrowed slightly. Eren's fingers twitched at his side.

"No."

Alfred didn't look entirely convinced. His gaze lingered on Eren's posture, his build, things that might have given away his combat experience.

"Strange," Alfred murmured, rubbing his beard. "You look very familiar."

"I could be wrong, but ya look like someone from the scouts. People here in our town rarely go out so we don't really know what's goin' on with the lads out in the city." Alfred continued, before Eren could respond, Maeve has already returned then handed a small bag of coins to Alfred. He took it but didn't take his eyes off Eren, then turned to Maeve with a smile.

"What's your relationship with him?"

"He's my fiancé."

Maeve didn't even hesitate. Eren had to stop himself from reacting to how casually she said it, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Alfred's brows lifted slightly, clearly surprised, but he didn't comment on it. He simply gave a short nod and pocketed the money.

"Well then, congratulations."

"Take care. It was nice meeting you, Kruger. I hope we get to know each more soon." He turned to leave but cast one last glance at Eren over his shoulder, his suspicion evident. He said nothing, watching as Alfred disappeared down the path.

"That was nerve-wracking. He always makes me feel like I've done something wrong." The moment the door shut, Maeve turned to Eren with a relieved sigh, who was still staring at the door, as he hummed in response.

"You okay?" Maeve nudged him.

Eren finally looked at her and forced a small smirk. "Yeah. Just thinking."

"That's it? That's the big lead we've been waiting for? We already knew he was alive." He tossed the letter onto the table. "No location, no details? Just 'he's alive.' Useless."

Armin picked it up next, reading it carefully. "No, this confirms something important. It means he's still on the island. If he wanted to leave, he would have by now."

"Great. So we've narrowed it down to... all of Paradis. It's been months, Armin. If we couldn't find him before, what makes you think we'll find him now?" Connie crossed his arms and sighed.

"Eren wouldn't disappear without a reason." Mikasa sat quietly, hands clenched into fists.

"He didn't just disappear—he ran, and if he ran, it means he doesn't want to be found."Levi, who had been standing by the window, finally turned toward the group.  The weight of his words settled over them.

Jean exhaled sharply. "Well, too bad. Because we need to find him before they do."

"That's the real problem, isn't it? The government isn't looking for him to capture him." Hange leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, her voice heavy.

"They want him dead."

"It's not fair. He saved us. He saved this island. Now they're hunting him down like a criminal." Armin's hands curled into fists.

"You know how people are. They're scared. They should be grateful, but all they can think about is the fact that they're trapped here forever. And the world, what's left of it at least, hates us even more than before." Jean let out a bitter laugh. Armin flinched, he knew Jean wasn't wrong.

Connie's voice was quieter this time. "Eren didn't just kill some people. He killed... everyone."

No one responded. They all carried the weight of that truth. The images of the Rumbling, the thunderous march of the Colossal Titans, the screams, the end of civilization beyond the island, haunted them all.

"I can't stop thinking about it. The things we saw. The things he did, and the worst part? I get it. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me that if he hadn't done it, we wouldn't be at civil war right now. Tell me that we'd all still be alive if he hadn't wiped out the world." Jean looked around at them. No one could. Because he was right. But just because they understood why Eren did it...

Didn't mean it didn't hurt.

"Even so... he's still our friend. He's still Eren." Armin swallowed hard.

"That's why we have to find him." Mikasa lifted her head, her gaze sharp.

"Before someone else does."

Connie leaned forward. "Where do we even start?"

Hange exhaled. "If he's still on the island, he's hiding somewhere. Either alone or with someone helping him." She tapped her fingers against the table. "The Yeagerists have been unstable, but some of them are still loyal to him. They might be hiding him."

Jean shook his head. "Or he could be hiding on his own."

Armin nodded. "Either way, we have to be careful. If we find him, we can't let the government know."

Jean scoffed. "Then what? Hide him? You think Eren's the kind of guy who's just going to sit in a house and do nothing for the rest of his life?"

No one answered. Even if they found him, even if Eren had run away, he wasn't the kind of person to sit back while the world decided his fate. The thought terrified them.

Levi's voice was quiet but firm. "We find him first. No matter what it takes."

"Then let's not waste any more time." Hange nodded, her expression grim.  They had their lead. Now, they just had to hope they weren't already too late.

--

Inside the dimly lit briefing room of the Military Police headquarters, the air was thick with tension. A group of high-ranking officers sat around a large wooden table, various maps and documents scattered before them. The topic of discussion was one that had haunted them for months.

Eren Yeager.

The graying officer at the head of the table exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples before speaking. "We have confirmed intelligence that Eren Yeager is still within Wall Maria."

"Wall Maria is massive. We've spent months searching, and we still don't have an exact location?" Murmurs of unease spread across the room. A younger MP with slicked-back hair scoffed, though his fingers nervously tapped against the table.

"We don't need an exact location. We've narrowed it down to smaller villages. Places off the main trade routes, where outsiders wouldn't attract too much attention. He's not hiding in some city; he's somewhere rural, somewhere quiet." The scarred woman seated beside him leaned forward, her tone sharper than steel.

The graying officer nodded. "We have a list of possible locations. Starting tomorrow, we send investigation teams to every single one. No house, no barn, no shed goes unchecked. These are the villages we start with." He tossed a file onto the table.

Nordenbruch Wesmere Grunwaldt Thalenburg Rosenloch

The younger MP hesitated before asking, "And if we do find him?"

Silence.

Then, the scarred woman answered, her voice cold and unwavering. "We kill him."

The words sent a shiver through the room.

"With all due respect... this is Eren Yeager we're talking about. We're supposed to just kill him?" The younger MP swallowed.

Another officer, an older man with a thick beard, leaned back in his chair. "If he turns into the Founding Titan, none of us are making it out alive."

They all remembered the Rumbling. They all remembered the endless sea of Titans, the way the earth trembled under their march. They had seen what Eren Yeager was capable of. He had wiped out the world beyond the walls. If he transformed now, inside their lands, there would be no escape.

The younger MP clenched his fists. "Do we even know if he still has his Titan powers? Maybe the transformation weakened him."

"We can't take that risk. The last time we underestimated him, he nearly destroyed everything." The graying officer shook his head. He looked around the room, his gaze hard.

"We don't hesitate. If we find him, we take him down before he has a chance to fight back."

The scarred woman folded her arms. "And if someone is hiding him?"

Another officer, a man with a sharp gaze, spoke up. "Anyone sheltering him is an enemy of the state. If they refuse to cooperate, we deal with them accordingly."

The younger MP swallowed hard but said nothing.

"What about the Yeagerists? Some of them are still lurking around. If they find out we're hunting their leader, we could have another civil war on our hands." The bearded officer exhaled.

The graying officer waved him off. "The Yeagerists are broken. Leaderless. Scattered. If they try to interfere, we'll deal with them the same way we deal with Yeager."

The scarred woman exhaled. "So that's it, then. We go in, we find him, and we end him."

No one spoke. They had all seen what he could do. They all feared what he might still be capable of. But they also knew that if they didn't act now, if they didn't eliminate him before he had a chance to strike back. then they might be the ones wiped out next.

She had thought maybe, she imagined it, but the way her lips still tingled told her otherwise. She sneaked a glance at him through the dim glow of the lantern he carried. He looked calm, his expression unreadable as usual, but there was something in the way he walked, shoulders just a little stiffer, fingers tightening and loosening against the handle of the lantern.

He was thinking about it too.

By the time they reached the house, she was practically vibrating with nerves. As soon as Kruger closed the door behind them, they both opened their mouths to speak—

"I—"

"You—"

They stopped, blinking at each other in surprise before Maeve huffed out a small laugh.

"You first," Kruger said, tilting his head slightly. She hesitated, pressing her lips together before finally gathering the courage to ask.

"What... what did that kiss mean?"

His expression remained unreadable for a moment, then he asked, "Do you regret it?"

The question caught her off guard. Her eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. "No! I—Of course not!"

"Then I don't regret it either."

Her heart skipped.

"It meant something," he added, voice low but firm.

Maeve barely managed to keep herself from squealing. Oh no. Oh no, he just said it meant something. Oh no, I need to stay calm—

"You're really bad at hiding your excitement."

Her face burned. "Shut up."

But before she could protest further, he closed the distance between them, reaching out to gently cup her face. Maeve barely had time to react before he leaned down and pressed another soft, lingering kiss to her lips. It was slower than the first one, more deliberate. A quiet confirmation. When he pulled away, she was speechless, staring up at him with wide eyes.

"Go to sleep, Maeve." He smirked slightly.

She opened her mouth, then closed it again, the mind too scrambled to form a response. With one last glance, he turned and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving her standing there, heart hammering against her ribs. She eventually made it to her own room, collapsing onto her bed with a dazed look on her face. She fell asleep with a ridiculous smile, knowing Eren was probably doing the same.

A few days had passed since the festival, since the kiss, and Maeve swore something in the air had shifted. Before, she had already found it hard to ignore Kruger's presence, but now? It was impossible. Every glance lingered longer than necessary. Every brush of their hands sent a rush of warmth through her skin. Every moment alone with him carried a weight that hadn't been there before, an unspoken understanding that something between them had changed.

And oh, she loved it.

She wasn't sure when it started, but Kruger had become bolder, well not that he was ever shy, but now it was different. Like today, for instance. Maeve was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she felt his presence behind her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body.

"You need help?" His voice was low, a soft rumble in her ear. Maeve swallowed hard, fingers pausing mid-chop. She could feel him, standing just a little too close.

"No, I'm fine," she answered, forcing herself to focus on the vegetables in front of her.

Kruger didn't move away. Instead, he reached past her, fingers grazing against the small of her back as he grabbed an apple from the counter. Maeve froze, breath hitching at the innocent touch. She turned her head slightly, just enough to see the amused smirk on his lips as he took a bite of the apple.

He's doing this on purpose.

Maeve narrowed her eyes. "You're standing too close."

"Am I?" He raised a brow, chewing slowly before swallowing. She scowled, trying to push him back with her elbow, but he caught her wrist, his grip firm but gentle.

"You've been avoiding my eyes all day," he murmured, his thumb brushing over the inside of her wrist.

"I—I have not."He hummed, unconvinced. He lifted her hand slightly, inspecting it as if it were the most interesting thing in the world before pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles.

"Okay! You need to leave." She snatched her hand back. He chuckled, stepping away with his hands raised in surrender.

"Fine, fine," he said, amusement lacing his tone. "I'll go set the table."

Maeve glared at him as he walked off, but there was no real heat behind it. Her heart was still racing. And this was just one of many moments like it.

Later that evening, after dinner, Maeve was sitting outside, enjoying the cool night air. She hadn't expected Kruger to join her, but a few minutes later, he stepped out, carrying a blanket. Without a word, he draped it over her shoulders before settling beside her on the porch steps.

She glanced at him. "You didn't have to do that."

"You looked cold."

Warmth bloomed in her chest. They sat in silence for a while, watching the stars. Then, slowly, she felt him shift. Before she could react, she felt his head rest against hers, his shoulder pressing lightly against her own.

"Is this okay?"

She swallowed. "Yeah."

Kruger exhaled softly, and she felt the tension in his body ease. She turned her head slightly, just enough to look at him, and found him already looking at her.

Her breath caught in her throat. There was something in his eyes, something soft, something tender. Something that made her chest feel tight in the best way possible. This wasn't just a phase. This wasn't some fleeting feeling. This was real. She smiled, leaning just a little closer.

Kruger's lips curled into a small smirk before he whispered, "Finally looking at me, huh?"

She huffed, nudging him with her shoulder, but she couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. He chuckled, the sound deep and full of warmth. And just like that, they stayed there, wrapped in quiet comfort, in the newfound weight of their feelings, in the undeniable shift between them. Neither of them said it out loud yet, but they both knew.

They felt it.

Then came the screams.

The moment the feet of the Titans descended, the wails turned into agonized shrieks. Eren saw them, felt them, being crushed into the dirt. Nothing left.

Blood splattered across the landscape, turning everything red.

This was his doing. This was his will.

And yet..

"No, please!"

His eyes caught sight of a little boy clutching his mother's hand.

"Run!" the woman screamed, pushing her child forward.

But there was nowhere to go. The Titan's foot came down. The boy looked up— And then he was gone.

Crushed. Erased.

Eren's chest clenched. No... no, I didn't want to see this again.

His body kept moving forward. He saw another. And another. And another. Their faces burned into his mind. This was the world he had created. The world he had destroyed.

He tried to move, tried to stop—

But all he could do was watch as the nightmare played on repeat.

"Kruger!"

His breath hitched. That voice—

A soft warmth pulled him from the depths of his mind, shaking him.

The screams vanished, and the heat disappeared.

When Eren's eyes snapped open, he was no longer in hell. His breathing was uneven. His body was tense. Sweat dampened his skin.

He wasn't alone. Maeve was right there, holding him, whispering words he couldn't quite process. His chest ached. How long had it been since someone held him like this? His throat tightened. Before he could stop himself, he gripped onto her like a lifeline.

"Stay."

She did. She held him without hesitation, her warmth melting the ice in his chest. Slowly, so slowly, his breathing evened out. His heart, once racing, settled into a steady rhythm. In that quiet moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes again.

When he woke up again, the nightmare was gone. Instead, a gentle weight rested against him. He blinked down and saw Maeve. She was curled against him, her head resting on his chest, her fingers lightly clutching the fabric of his shirt. Their legs were slightly tangled, and his arm was still loosely wrapped around her waist. He stiffened for a moment, his mind catching up with reality. Then his heart skipped a beat. She looked so peaceful, her breath slow and even. A strand of hair had fallen over her cheek, and before he could stop himself, he reached up and brushed it away.

His fingers lingered, grazing her temple. Eren swallowed.

This isn't good.

He had known for a while now that his feelings for Maeve were growing. However, seeing her like this, completely vulnerable, completely trusting in his arms, made the weight of it hit him all at once. She wasn't just someone he was fond of. He wanted her. Her kindness, her warmth, the way she made him forget the hell he had lived through.

Now... Now, it felt impossible to let go. But he had to. His gut twisted with guilt. She doesn't even know the truth. If she ever found out, if she knew the real monster she was holding right now—

Would she still look at him the same way?

Would she still stay?

Eren sighed quietly, closing his eyes for a moment. His fingers moved from her face to her hair, gently running through it. It was soft, like silk between his fingers. He allowed himself this, just for a few moments. Then, before she could wake up and see him like this, he carefully pulled away, untangling their limbs to avoid the awkwardness of realizing how close they had been.

He shifted back, watching as she stirred. Slowly, Maeve's eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, looking confused, then rubbed at her eyes before glancing up at him.

"Sleep well?"

Maeve groaned, stretching her arms. "I think that's the best sleep I've had in a while."

Eren chuckled, but his gaze softened. She didn't mention what happened last night. She didn't press him with questions, but the way she looked at him—like she was still checking to see if he was okay, made something in his chest ache.

He smiled at her.

"I'm fine," he said, as if that would make it true.

--

The carriage ride home was much smoother than the trip to Mitras. Maeve was still nauseous, but at least this time, she didn't disgrace herself in front of the people of Wall Sina. Kruger had been silently watching her the entire ride, occasionally glancing at her pale face with concern. Every time she shifted uncomfortably, he would subtly press a cup of water into her hand or adjust the cushion behind her back.

Maeve appreciated the small gestures, even though she tried to act like she was fine. By the time they arrived at her home, the sky was beginning to darken with the hues of dusk. Kyla, Leah, and Tiffany bid their final farewells, promising to visit again soon, much to her dismay, considering how they always left chaos in their wake.

Maeve waved them off, sighing in relief as the carriage disappeared into the distance. However, her moment of peace was short-lived. Because standing at her front door, holding a bouquet, was Lloyd.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Kruger, who had been carrying her bags, followed her gaze and let out an unimpressed sigh. "This guy again?"

Maeve straightened her posture, schooling her features into something civil. The last thing she needed was another headache, and Lloyd always brought a headache.

"What are you doing here, Lloyd?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Lloyd stepped forward, clutching the flowers like some sort of desperate romantic. "Maeve, I... I wanted to apologize for last time." His voice was softer than usual, his expression genuinely remorseful.

"I was out of line. I shouldn't have tried to force you into anything, and I regret it. So... I got you these." He extended the bouquet towards her, his eyes pleading.

"-and I wanted to ask if you'd accompany me to the festival next week?"

"No."

Lloyd flinched. "Maeve—"

"I meant what I said last time. I don't like you that way. I never have, and I never will. So please, just stop this already." She sighed, rubbing her temples.

"It's just one night! We don't have to call it a date. We can go as friends, I just—"

"Lloyd—"

"Maeve, please, I—"

"She said no."

A firm voice cut through the conversation, making both of them turn toward him. Kruger was standing a few steps behind Maeve, his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and unreadable. His entire posture was relaxed, too relaxed, in a way that screamed quiet confidence.

Lloyd, however, was clearly unimpressed. "You again? Who are you to her?"

"Her fiancé."

Silence. Maeve's brain short-circuited, spinning to face Kruger with wide eyes.

Lloyd, equally stunned, gawked between the two of them. "Her... fiancé?"

Kruger barely reacted, keeping his face perfectly neutral. "Yeah. She didn't tell you?" He glanced at Maeve with the most convincing expression of feigned surprise.

"Oh, you didn't? Well, that's awkward."

Maeve was too stunned to speak. What. The. Hell.

"That's—" Lloyd looked at Maeve, his expression desperate. "Maeve, is this true?"

Maeve's mouth opened, then closed. She had no idea how to respond. She wanted to scream at him. Shake him. Demand an explanation. But Lloyd was staring at her, waiting. Then she saw it, that look in his eyes. That last bit of hope.

Maeve sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Yes, Lloyd. It's true."

Lloyd visibly deflated. "Oh."

He took a step back, looking as if someone had physically punched him in the gut.

"I... I see," he murmured, his grip on the flowers tightening before he quickly shoved them into Maeve's hands.

"I—well. Congratulations, I guess."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away. Maeve watched him disappear down the road, still trying to process what the hell had just happened.

Then, as soon as Lloyd was out of sight, she whirled on Kruger. "What was that?!"

"Problem solved, isn't it?"

"Fiancé?! You couldn't have just said 'boyfriend'?!" Maeve gawked at him.

"Fiancé sounds more serious. Thought it'd be more effective."

Maeve groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh my god, you're ridiculous."

"You're welcome."

"I didn't thank you!"

He chuckled, his expression far too smug for her liking. "Oh, but I can see it in your eyes. You're grateful."

"You're unbelievable."

Kruger only grinned. "And yet, here I am, still your fiancé."

"Shut up!"

However, none of that mattered to Maeve. She was here against her will.

"Damn that old woman," she grumbled under her breath. "I swear, the next time she tries to guilt-trip me, I'll—"

"You'll what?"

She whipped her head around to glare at Kruger, walking beside her with his hands tucked into his pockets, watching her with barely contained amusement. He had been silent most of the trip here, but now? Now he was thoroughly enjoying her suffering.

"I'll—I don't know! Something! I don't even like festivals." she snapped, then let out a dramatic sigh.

"Really? Because you look pretty excited right now."

She shot him a glare. "I will hit you."

He only laughed harder. The truth was, she wasn't exactly opposed to festivals. She liked the atmosphere, the food, and the music, she just didn't like crowds. More than anything, she didn't like being forced into things. If it weren't for Gloria's dramatic letter threatening to cook every single one of her chickens if she didn't attend, she would be home right now, enjoying a peaceful evening.

But here she was. Forced into a festival. With him.

She side-eyed Kruger, who was still smirking to himself, clearly enjoying how grumpy she was. He had even dressed up a little for the occasion, wearing a dark button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, simple pants, and weird-looking glasses for his disguise. It was a far cry from the usual farm clothes she had seen him in, and she hated to admit it, but—

He looked good. Not that she would ever tell him that.

"You're pouting," He commented, nudging her shoulder.

"I am not pouting."

"You totally are."

She groaned and picked up her pace, trying to put some distance between them. "Just—let's get this over with."

He simply followed, laughing under his breath as they made their way into the heart of the festival. As much as Maeve had complained, she had to admit, Gloria knew how to throw a festival. The streets were lined with stalls selling all kinds of things. Handmade jewelry, freshly baked pastries, roasted meats, even silly little trinkets that she would have loved as a kid. There were game booths with prizes and a small stage where musicians played upbeat tunes that had couples dancing in the square.

Of course, Gloria was right in the middle of it all, chatting with the villagers like a true social butterfly. Maeve tried to slink past unnoticed, but of course, the old woman spotted her immediately.

"Maeve, my dear!" Gloria's voice rang out. Maeve flinched. Within seconds, she was in front of them, beaming like a proud grandmother.

"You made it! I was this close to turning all your chickens into stew, you know." she said, patting Maeve's cheek like she was a child.

"Yes, yes, I'm aware."

Gloria then turned to Kruger, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "—and you brought your fiancé! How wonderful!"

Maeve nearly choked on her spit. "He is not—"

"She just can't help calling me that, she likes the sound of it." Kruger cut in smoothly, throwing an arm over Maeve's shoulder with a smirk. Her jaw dropped. Gloria's eyes widened in delight.

"Oh, I knew it!" Gloria clapped her hands together. "I told you, dear, this man is a keeper! Just look at him! Strong, handsome, and oh so charming!"

"You are insufferable." Maeve shoved his arm off of her. He just winked.

"Oh, young love. How wonderful! Now, go enjoy the festival, lovebirds. Before Maeve could protest, the old woman had already disappeared into the crowd.

Eren turned to her with a smug grin. "Looks like we're a real couple now."

"I hate you." She groaned.

"No, you don't."

She clenched her fists. "I swear—"

Before she could finish her sentence, the scent of something delicious hit her nose. Her head turned instantly toward a nearby food stall, where skewers of roasted meat were sizzling over an open flame. Her stomach growled.

He raised a brow. "Hungry?"

"I guess we could eat something." She cleared her throat, trying to act casual.

"C'mon, fiancé, let's get you some food." She punched his arm.

With their stomachs full, they wandered around the festival, stopping at different booths along the way. Maeve found herself laughing more than she expected, mostly at Kruger's expense. He insisted on winning her a prize at one of the game booths, only to completely fail the first three times.

"This game is rigged," he muttered, glaring at the wooden milk bottles he was supposed to knock over.

"Or maybe you just suck at it."

"Watch this." He narrowed his eyes. Then tossed another ball, only for it to bounce harmlessly off the target.

Maeve burst out laughing. "Oh my god! You're terrible!"

Kruger sighed dramatically. "Unbelievable. I've fought titans, survived the impossible, and yet—" He gestured to the game. "This is my greatest enemy."

"There's no way you fought a titan with that aim of yours!" She was still laughing when he suddenly turned to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You try it."

She blinked. "Huh?"

"You're laughing at me. Let's see if you can do better."

"Oh, you are on."

She took the ball, lined up her shot— And knocked over every single bottle. Kruger stared.

She smirked. "I believe that's called winning."

The booth worker handed her a prize, a small stuffed rabbit. Maeve turned to him, holding it up like a trophy.

"Do you want me to teach you how to throw properly, fiancé?"

He groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm never gonna live this down, am I?"

"Not a chance."

As the night went on, the festival reached its peak. The sky darkened, and the villagers gathered in the square for the grand finale, the fireworks. The sky above them was painted with bursts of color, vivid reds, blues, and golds illuminating the village square. The fireworks boomed one after another, crackling like distant thunder, but Maeve barely heard them.

Because Kruger was looking at her.

She had felt his gaze before, always intense, always unwavering—but this time, it was different. It wasn't teasing or smug. It wasn't his usual sharp-eyed stare. It was softer, deeper, filled with something she wasn't sure she was ready to acknowledge.

Yet, she couldn't look away.

The flickering light of the fireworks danced across his face, highlighting the sharpness of his jaw, and the depth of his green eyes. His lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

Maeve swallowed hard. "What?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Eren didn't answer. Instead, he slowly reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The warmth of his fingers lingered against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Her heart pounded. This was ridiculous. So Ridiculous. They were standing in the middle of a festival, surrounded by people, noise, by everything, yet it felt like they were the only two in the world. Another firework exploded above them, showering the sky in a golden glow. Then, he took a step closer. She felt her breath hitch as he slowly leaned in, his eyes searching hers, almost as if he was waiting for her to pull away.

She didn't. She didn't want to.

Her hands clenched around the stuffed rabbit in her arms as she tilted her face up ever so slightly, just enough for their lips to meet.

The moment they kissed, everything else faded.

The fireworks, the festival, the people, it all disappeared.

His lips were warm and soft, hesitant at first, but when Maeve didn't pull away, he deepened the kiss just slightly, his hand cupping the side of her face. She felt her body melt into the touch, her heart hammering against her ribcage. She didn't know how long they stayed like that, seconds? Minutes? But when they finally pulled apart, Eren rested his forehead against hers, his breath slightly uneven. Her mind was spinning.

"...That was—" She struggled to form words, her face burning hotter than the fireworks above them.

He exhaled a soft laugh. "Yeah."

Neither of them moved, nor spoke.

They just stood there, close, caught in the moment, as the last firework lit up the sky.

---

ao3: leevayiee

wattpad: leevayiee (complete story)

A hand gripped his sleeve, pulling him away from his thoughts. He blinked, looking down to see Maeve gazing up at him, concern evident in her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Kruger opened his mouth, but no words came out. He didn't trust himself to speak.

Maeve sighed. Without another word, she turned to her friends. "We'll meet you guys later."

Kyla frowned. "Huh? What do you—"

She didn't wait for an answer. She simply grabbed his wrist and tugged him in the opposite direction. They weaved through the crowd until the noise faded into a distant hum. The area they entered was noticeably quieter, with fewer people bustling about. There were small shops lined up, selling handmade crafts and trinkets, nothing extravagant, just simple things meant for the everyday folk.

She finally stopped, letting out a breath. She turned to him. "Are you overwhelmed?"

"No."

It wasn't entirely a lie. She studied him for a moment, skeptical, but she didn't push. A silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

"What do you think about the Rumbling?"

"The Rumbling?" He nodded.

She crossed her arms, leaning against a wooden post. "Well... to be honest, I never really paid much attention to what was happening beyond the walls. I grew up... ignorant, I guess you could say. I know it's not a good thing, but I grew up like that. My world was just my home, my farm, my parents. I was content." She let out a small, humorless chuckle.

"-And then my parents died, and I just... shut everything else out. So when it came to things like politics or world affairs, I never really bothered with them."

He remained silent, listening.

"So when I first heard about the Rumbling, I thought it was... horrible. Genocide is never a good thing. But then I started hearing about why it happened, about how the entire world wanted this island dead." Her gaze flickered to him.

"Honestly? I get it. I get why he did it. That Yelen? Elen? Whoever that was, was just trying to protect his home, his people. Now, after everything, after saving the island, the government wants his head." She shook her head.

"That's what makes me feel bad the most."

Eren felt something tighten in his chest. She sympathized with him. Not in a blindly loyal way, like the Yeagerists. Not in an apathetic way, like some who claimed the past was the past. She understood that he had done something unforgivable. But she also understood why. He clenched his fists, the guilt was suffocating.

He had to tell her. She deserved the truth.

"Maeve, I—"

"Oh my god!"

He blinked as she suddenly dashed toward a small stand. It took him a second to process the abrupt shift in atmosphere. Maeve was practically vibrating as she pointed at something inside the shop. "I've been dreading buying these for so long!"

He stepped closer, peering inside. Miniature toys. Tiny wooden figures of horses, birds, and even some poorly made human figurines. His serious thoughts were completely derailed.

Maeve looked up at him with childlike excitement. "Aren't they cute?"

He stared at her. Then at the tiny, slightly ugly figurines. Then back at her. A small, amused smile tugged at his lips.

For now... He would let himself savor this moment.

--

There was no way Maeve was getting into another carriage today, not if she wanted to keep her dignity intact. One bout of puking in public was enough humiliation for one day. Unfortunately, since their decision was last minute, they were left with limited options for accommodations. The only hotel within their budget had just two rooms available.

As soon as the receptionist handed them the keys, Kyla, Leah, and Tiffany immediately smirked at each other.

"Dibs on the first room!" Kyla announced, grabbing a key before Maeve could even react.

"Wait—!"

"Have fun, you two!" Tiffany added, winking as she dragged Leah along.

And just like that, they disappeared down the hall. Maeve stared at the remaining key in her hand, then slowly turned to look at Kruger.

He raised an eyebrow. "Should I be concerned?"

She groaned, rubbing her temples. "Those idiots did that on purpose."

"It's not a big deal." Oh, it was a big deal. Because the moment they stepped into their room, Maeve's stomach dropped. There was only one bed.

"...You've got to be kidding me," she muttered, rubbing her face.

He glanced at the bed, then at her. "Calm down. I'll just sleep on the floor."

"No," she said instantly. "You're not sleeping on the floor."

He crossed his arms. "I don't mind."

"Well, I mind, we'll just put a pillow in the middle. Problem solved." she shot back, stubborn. He stared at her for a moment before sighing.

"Fine."

With that settled, Maeve grabbed her nightclothes and went to wash up first. The warm water helped ease the tension in her muscles, and by the time she finished drying her hair, she was feeling a little more relaxed. That was until she walked back into the room and came face to face with a shirtless Kruger.

She froze. Kruger, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. He was rubbing a towel over his damp hair, steam still clinging to his skin.

Maeve immediately turned around. "Oh my god—can you not just walk out of the shower like that?!"

"What? It's just a torso."

"Just a torso—?!" Maeve squeezed her eyes shut. "Put a shirt on!"

She could practically hear the smirk in his voice when he said, "Haven't you seen me shirtless multiple times by now?"

Maeve wanted to die.

"This is different!" she spluttered.

"How?"

"IT JUST IS!"

He is clearly enjoying this, but to her relief, he did put on a shirt. Maeve took a deep breath, willing her heart to calm down. Hours later, the room was silent, save for the soft breaths of two people lying side by side. The pillow barrier had long since been forgotten. Maeve was sleeping soundly, her body finally resting after the long day. Until she was jolted awake by violent thrashing.

Her eyes snapped open. At first, she thought it was an earthquake, but then she realized it was Kruger. He was twisting in the sheets, his breaths ragged and harsh. His hands were clenched into fists, his face contorted in a mix of pain and fear. Sweat glistened on his forehead.

Maeve's stomach clenched. "Kruger?"

He didn't respond. He was completely trapped in whatever nightmare had taken hold of him.

"Kruger, wake up!" She quickly sat up, reaching out to him. Nothing. Maeve hesitated for only a second before grabbing his shoulders and shaking him.

"Kruger!"

The moment his name left her lips, his eyes flew open. His entire body jerked up, his chest heaving. His eyes darted around in panic before finally landing on her. Maeve's breath caught. His eyes were wet. Without thinking, she reached out and cupped his face.

"Hey, It's okay. You're here. You're safe."

Eren swallowed thickly, his breathing still erratic. His hands trembled slightly as they gripped the sheets. Maeve hesitated, then, slowly, she slid closer to him, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders. He froze and for a moment, she thought he might pull away. Instead, He clung to her. His arms wrapped around her tightly, his face burying into the crook of her neck. Maeve's heart twisted. She didn't know what he had seen in his nightmare. Didn't know the burdens he carried. But right now, she just wanted to be here for him.

"I'm here," she murmured, gently rubbing his back. "I won't go anywhere."

He exhaled, his breath shaky. "Stay."

"Of course."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth. Eventually, his breathing evened out, his grip loosening just slightly. Maeve, too, felt her eyelids grow heavy. Before they knew it, they had both drifted off.

"I never get sick!" she had declared proudly, hands on her hips.

Oh, how wrong she was. By the time the carriage had passed the halfway point, she was dying. Her stomach felt like it was waging war against her. The world tilted violently with every bump on the road. The carriage, once a charming method of transportation, had transformed into her own personal torture chamber.

She sat hunched over, miserable, her hands pressed against her stomach. Kruger, sitting beside her, was watching with mild concern.

"You okay?"

"Yep. Totally fine." Maeve swallowed thickly. She was not fine.

"You look like you're about to puke." Kyla, sitting across from her, grinned.

Leah nudged her with an amused smirk. "Didn't you say you never get sick?"

Maeve shot them a weak glare. "Shut—" She paused, pressing her lips together tightly as her stomach lurched.

Kruger reached out and steadied her shoulder. "Breathe through your nose," he advised, voice surprisingly gentle.

She tried, it barely helped. For the rest of the ride, she sat there, rigid and nauseous, fighting for her life. Every jolt, every turn, every movement of the carriage was pure suffering. By the time they reached the grand gates of Mitras, she was hanging on by a thread. The moment the carriage came to a stop and the door swung open, fresh air rushed in, and Maeve lost it.

She stumbled out, barely making it to the street before she vomited her entire soul onto the pristine pavement of Wall Sina.

Silence.

Absolute, horrified silence.

The elegant, well-dressed citizens of Mitras, high-class nobles, merchants, and snobby aristocrats, gasped in disgust. An older woman clutched her pearls. A man stepped back as if personally offended. A child screamed.

"Oh, gods, kill me now..." Maeve groaned, wiping her mouth weakly. Tiffany immediately sprang into action.

"OH! MY SISTER!" she wailed dramatically, throwing her arms around Maeve like a grieving widow.

"THE ILLNESS HAS TAKEN HER!"

Kyla caught on instantly and fake sobbed into Leah's shoulder. "SHE FOUGHT SO HARD!"

"IF ONLY SHE HAD MORE TIME!" Leah clutched her chest.

"You guys are the worst." Maeve, still hunched over, glared at them, but somehow, the nobles, who had been staring at Maeve in pure horror, now looked concerned.

"The poor thing... What illness is she suffering from?"

Kyla gasped, looking at him with big, sorrowful eyes. "Oh, sir, it's—it's an ancient disease!"

Tiffany nodded gravely. "A rare stomach plague!"

"Highly contagious." Leah sniffled. Immediately, every noble bolted. They scattered like terrified pigeons, skirts and coats flapping as they fled.

Maeve groaned again, still miserable. "Can you guys not make a scene—"

And then she felt a hand rubbing gentle circles on her back. Kruger, crouching beside her, handed her a handkerchief.

"Here."

Maeve took it weakly, wiping her mouth as he reached into the bag he'd been carrying and pulled out a small flask.

"Drink," he said, holding it out to her.

She sniffed it cautiously. "What is it?"

"Water."

She blinked at him. "...You actually packed water?"

"Unlike some people, I prepare for long trips."

She huffed but took a sip anyway. The cool liquid was heavenly against her dry throat. After a few moments of silence, he sighed.

"You really don't get sick often, huh?"

"I'm never eating before a carriage ride again." Maeve groaned, leaning against his shoulder.

Kruger chuckled. "Smart choice."

She let out a weak laugh, still feeling lightheaded. "You're not gonna make fun of me?"

"I could, but you look too pathetic right now."

She lightly smacked his arm. "Jerk."

"You threw up in front of half the nobles of Mitras."

"Shut up!" He laughed, standing up before offering her his hand.

Maeve, miraculously, bounced back fast. She was marching ahead, looking perfectly fine, like she hadn't just vomited in front of high-class nobles. Her friends, however, were not going to let it go so easily.

"You're like one of those birds that just casually flies into a window and acts like nothing happened," Kyla whispered.

Leah snorted. "She's mastered the ancient art of embarrassment denial."

Tiffany grinned. "We love that for her."

"Can we please just forget about it?"

"Never," they all said in unison.

Kruger, walking beside Maeve, glanced at her, amused. "You do recover fast."

She scowled. "You were supposed to have my back."

"I did. I gave you water."

"Yeah, but—" Maeve turned to glare at him and finally took in the absolutely ridiculous disguise he was wearing. A worn-out brown hat that was too big for his head. An old pair of glasses with no lenses. A scarf wrapped up to his nose.

He looked like some deranged artist from a bad play. Maeve stared. Leah and Kyla were already biting their lips, struggling to hold in their laughter.

Tiffany was shaking. "Oh my god—"

Maeve, against all odds, managed to not laugh. Instead, she cleared her throat and turned to her friends.

"I think we should go to the quieter parts of Mitras," she suggested quickly, hoping to distract them. "You know, to avoid crowds."

Kyla raised an eyebrow. "Because of him?" She not so subtly gestured at Kruger's disastrous attempt at a disguise.

"Yeah, Kruger's not fond of crowds."

Her friends stared at her. Then at him. Then back at her. Maeve held her breath. Miraculously, they didn't question it.

"Alright, if you say so." Tiffany just smiled, eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Yep. We'll just pretend this totally normal situation makes sense." Leah smirked.

Kyla sighed dramatically. "What a shame. I was really looking forward to seeing how long he could last before people started questioning that outfit."

"There's nothing wrong with it." Kruger frowned slightly.

Tiffany snorted. "You look like a failed detective."

"-Or an artist who got kicked out of a museum." Leah grinned.

"-Or a shady merchant who sells forbidden cabbages." Kyla added.

Maeve wheeze-laughed at that one. Kruger sighed, clearly rethinking all his life choices. But, despite the teasing, no one pressed further. No one questioned why Maeve was so insistent on keeping Eren away from crowds. No one asked why he, despite acting like he was unbothered, still seemed on edge.

They just let it go. So, with Kruger looking like a struggling poet and Maeve pretending everything was totally normal, they set off into the quieter parts of Mitras.

--

The city had a strange way of making someone feel both safe and uneasy at the same time. Maeve walked alongside her friends, her arms full of small bags containing herbs, spices, and a few other essentials. Occasionally, she would glance over her shoulder, checking, making sure that he was still there.

Eren wasn't wandering off, but he was surveying the area like a soldier on duty, eyes sharp, body tense. His ridiculous disguise had been slightly adjusted, his scarf was now pulled down a bit, and his hat was tilted lower, casting a shadow over his face.

Kyla noticed Maeve's constant glances and smirked. "Scared he's gonna disappear on you?"

"No. Just making sure he doesn't actually get lost."

Leah nudged her playfully. "You sure? You've been looking at him like a lost puppy."

"I do not—"

Tiffany cut her off with a laugh. "Oh, please. It's so obvious. Every time he lags behind, you look back so fast, like you're worried he's been kidnapped or something."

Maeve rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. Because deep down, there was a small fear gnawing at her.

What if he did disappear?

She had grown so used to his presence that the thought of him leaving, of him not being there anymore, made her stomach twist. She shook the thought away as they passed by a small, makeshift stage where a group of people had gathered. Some were standing on crates, passionately shouting their beliefs to the crowd. Maeve barely paid them any attention, but Leah suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Oh, great. Them."

Maeve blinked. "Them?"

Tiffany groaned. "The Yeagerists."

"Who?"

All three of her friends turned to her with deadpan expressions.

Leah shook her head. "I wonder how you're still alive when you're that ignorant of what's happening to the world."

Kyla waved a hand toward the stage. "Them. They're a group of extremists who follow Eren Yeager and believe in everything he stood for. They're still pretty active, even after the war."

"And what exactly do they stand for?"

Tiffany sighed. "Basically? They think Paradis should be ruled by Yeagerists, and anyone who doesn't support their ideals is a threat."

Maeve frowned. She had never really paid much attention to politics or world affairs. she had been too busy trying to survive and rebuild her life after everything.

Tiffany suddenly grinned. "Oh! That reminds me—remember how Maeve reacted during the Rumbling?"

"Don't." Maeve's stomach dropped. Leah and Kyla's faces lit up.

"Oh my god, YES. I completely forgot about that!" Kyla cackled.

Eren, standing behind them, tensed.

Tiffany continued, giggling. "When Eren Yeager announced the Rumbling—you thought you were dreaming! You literally woke up, heard the actual declaration of genocide, and went back to sleep."

"And then the next day, when everyone was freaking out about the end of the world, she casually walked outside like, 'Wait... that wasn't a dream?'" Leah wheezed.

Maeve groaned, covering her face. "I thought it was just another weird dream! It felt like a dream!"

Kyla laughed. "Imagine being so unbothered that you sleep through the literal end of humanity."

He clenched his jaw. Hearing them casually talk about it, laugh about it, felt strange. He had seen the destruction firsthand. The burning cities, the screams, the endless march of the titans beneath him. The sky had turned gray from the ash of crumbling buildings. His friends fighting with their lives just to stop him, and yet, here they were, joking about it like it was some absurd event in history.

His hands curled into fists. He had to force himself to stay calm.

Leah, unaware of his inner turmoil, turned to Maeve with a curious expression. "Hey, Maeve, what do you think about Eren Yeager?"

Eren stiffened.

Maeve hummed, tilting her head. "What do I think about him?"

Leah nodded. "Yeah. I mean, you clearly didn't care enough to stay awake for his world-ending speech, but still—what's your opinion on him?"

"If I were in his shoes... I'd probably do the same."

Silence. Her friends stared at her. His breath hitched.

Kyla blinked. "What?"

"If I had that much power, and if the entire world wanted me and my love ones dead, I think wiping out my enemies would be the logical thing to do."

Leah's jaw dropped. "You seriously would've committed genocide?"

"You do realize that we were all going to die if he didn't do anything, right?"

Tiffany crossed her arms. "I mean... technically true, but still."

"Look, I get why people hate him, but from a survival standpoint? He did what he thought was necessary, and you know what they say 'history is written by the victors'"

Kyla groaned. "You and the Yeagerists would get along."

"Okay, no. Those guys are weird." Maeve wrinkled her nose. Her friends laughed, and the conversation moved on.

Eren, however, couldn't move on. Maeve's words echoed in his mind. Something in his chest tightened.

"They didn't even step inside yet, and I already have a headache." Maeve, who had just finished setting out tea, sighed dramatically.

Leah grinned. "Aww, don't be like that, Maeve. We did give you a notice this time. We're practically model guests now!"

"Please, we are model guests." Kyla's sharp eyes flickered back to Eren. "But back to my main point—what the hell are you still doing here, Kruger?"

He smirked. "Good to see you too, Kyla."

Tiffany gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh? Oh? Did you just—did he just—?" She turned to Maeve, eyes wide.

"He's talking back now, fluently?! Maeve, what have you done?"

"Don't start."

Kyla, ignoring Maeve's suffering, narrowed her eyes at Kruger, pretending to inspect him. "You have gotten more comfortable, huh? Last time, you just sat there all stiff while we interrogated you."

"What can I say? The farm life grew on me."

Leah gasped. "The farm life?" She turned to Maeve, eyes sparkling. "Maeve, you've domesticated him!"

He chuckled. "Domesticated?"

"Yes, dear Kruger. You were once a mysterious traveler, a lone wolf, a man of the wild. But look at you now—helping around the farm, drinking tea, wearing shoes that Gloria sent you." Tiffany sniffled dramatically. "It's beautiful, really."

"I regret making tea for you guys."

Kyla smirked, but then her sharp gaze landed back on Kruger. "But seriously, why are you still here?"

The teasing tone in her voice was clear, but there was also genuine curiosity behind her words. He glanced at Maeve, who was very obviously avoiding eye contact. A slow smirk tugged at his lips.

"Because Maeve begged me to stay."

Maeve choked on air. Leah, Kyla, and Tiffany gasped in perfect unison.

"YOU WHAT!" Leah shrieked.

Maeve whirled on him. "I did not! Don't just—stop saying things like that so casually!"

"You did say you were happy with me staying."

"Stop it, I can't breathe." Tiffany clutched Kyla's arm for support.

Kyla, faking a look of devastation, shook her head at Maeve. "You never told us that you were happy when we stayed over."

"We're just... replaceable to you, huh?" Leah dramatically wiped away a nonexistent tear.

"I hate you all."

After the initial chaos, they finally settled down in the living room with snacks and tea.

"Okay, but really, Kruger, you're like... seriously staying here now, huh?" Tiffany leaned forward, grinning.

Kruger stretched his arms, smirking. "Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows?"

"That's a yes." Leah gasped.

Kyla pointed at him. "That's a man who has no intentions of leaving."

Maeve, who had been sipping her tea, choked again. He just smirked at her, clearly enjoying her suffering. "I did say I'd stay a little longer."

"A little longer?" Kyla repeated, raising an eyebrow. "It's been weeks, my guy."

Tiffany giggled. "At this rate, we should just start calling this place Maeve and Kruger's farm."

Maeve waved them off. "Alright, alright, we get it. Can you all stop analyzing his stay duration like it's some mystery novel?"

"Oh, but Maeve, it is a mystery novel! A mysterious, handsome traveler appears in your life, uninvited but intriguing! He plans to leave, but oh no, what's this? He's staying?! What could be keeping him here?" Leah gasped dramatically.

"Care to share, Kruger?" She turned to him, eyes sparkling. He held back a laugh, looking at Maeve, who looked like she wanted to disappear. Instead of answering, he leaned back and smirked.

"I like the food here."

Tiffany cackled.

"Ugh, boring answer." Kyla groaned.

Maeve threw a pillow at his face. "Oh, shut up."

The girls stayed for most of the afternoon, filling the house with constant laughter, teasing, and the occasional very personal questions directed at Kruger—most of which Maeve had to physically stop them from asking. By the time evening rolled in, it was time for them to leave.

As they stood at the doorway, Kyla turned to Kruger with an amused smirk. "You know, I kinda like you now."

"Only now?"

"Don't push your luck."

Leah grinned at Maeve. "You know, Maeve, you could have just told us you wanted to keep him."

"Get out."

Tiffany giggled. "See you soon, Kruger! And try not to make Maeve faint with your presence, okay?"

"No promises."

Maeve shoved them out the door.

As they walked away, Kyla called over her shoulder, "Take care of your domesticated traveler, Maeve!"

"KYLA, I SWEAR—"

The girls' laughter echoed into the night. Just as Maeve was about to sigh in relief at finally getting rid of her chaotic friends, Kyla suddenly spun around just before disappearing down the path.

"Oh, and by the way—WE'RE COMING BACK TOMORROW TO DRAG YOU TWO TO THE CITY WITH US! NO EXCUSES!"

"What?!" Maeve's jaw dropped.

Leah waved with a big grin. "See you at sunrise!"

Tiffany cupped her hands around her mouth. "Wear something cute, Maeve!"

"We are NOT going!" Maeve shouted back, but they were already walking away, laughing.

She turned to Kruger, ready to complain about her friends' insanity, when she noticed something odd. Instead of protesting or looking for an excuse, He simply sighed and said,

"Okay."

Maeve blinked. Wait. What?

"You—you're agreeing?" she asked, completely caught off guard.

He shrugged. "Yeah. Might as well."

"But you flinched when Kyla said it. Are you sure you're okay with going?"

Kruger exhaled through his nose, looking away for a moment. He was uncomfortable with the idea of going into a crowded city, too many eyes, too much risk, but...

"I'll just be more careful," he muttered.

Maeve still looked uncertain, but after a moment, she slowly nodded. "...Alright. But if you feel uncomfortable, just tell me, okay?"

He glanced at her, at her furrowed brows, the way her lips were pressed together in concern, the way she was actually worried about him, and something in his chest tightened.

He quickly looked away and shrugged again. "Yeah. Sure."

Maeve squinted at him suspiciously. Something was off. Before she could press further, Kruger grabbed his coat and walked toward the stairs. "I'm heading to bed early, then. If we're being kidnapped by your friends tomorrow, I might as well get some rest."

"You're the one agreeing to go. I was ready to fight for my right to stay home."

"You'd lose."

Maeve threw a pillow at him. He caught it effortlessly.

"Goodnight, Maeve," he said, turning away.

She crossed her arms. "You're acting weird."

Kruger just waved her off as he settled on the couch. Maeve stared after him, still confused.

Behind her, Kruger was setting their things down, a woven picnic basket filled with food, a blanket spread over the soft grass, and a small towel for when they finished swimming. He glanced up at her, watching the way she tested the water so carefully.

"You're acting like you've never swum in cold water before," Kruger commented, his lips twitching. She turned her head slightly, her brows furrowing.

"Excuse me for wanting to mentally prepare myself," she shot back playfully.

He chuckled as he stood up straight. Without another word, he walked past her, stepping right into the water without hesitation. She barely had time to react before he was already waist-deep, pushing his damp hair back with a hand.

He looked back at her, tilting his head. "You coming?"

"You didn't even hesitate."

"I've had worse," He shrugged, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement.

She huffed before finally stepping forward, letting the water reach her ankles, then her knees, then her waist. The initial cold made her shiver slightly, but after a few moments, she adjusted to it. Kruger was already further ahead, the water reaching his shoulders. She noticed how effortlessly he moved through it, his toned arms flexing slightly as he swam in slow, lazy strokes.

Damn it. Why did he have to look so good doing the simplest things?

She shook her head, scolding herself for thinking such things. Instead, she focused on easing herself deeper into the water. As soon as she reached a deeper part, Kruger smirked and suddenly splashed water in her direction.

She gasped, shielding her face. "Hey!"

He only laughed. "What? You looked too comfortable."

She glared at him before splashing him back hard.

"Oh, you're playing dirty now?"

She smirked. "What, can't handle a little splash?"

Kruger grinned, but there was a challenge in his eyes. Without warning, he lunged forward, grabbing her by the waist and effortlessly lifting her up.

She yelped, her arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders. "Kruger! Put me down!"

He only laughed before spinning them in the water, causing her to let out a string of breathless giggles. He finally let her go, but not before making sure she was steady.

She splashed him again as soon as she caught her breath. "You are so annoying."

"You love it."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly pushed the thought away, rolling her eyes instead. They swam for a while longer, talking and laughing in between playful splashes and small competitions over who could hold their breath underwater the longest. When they eventually got out of the water, the sun had begun to set, casting a golden glow over everything. They dried themselves off and sat on the blanket, the soft grass beneath them slightly damp from the day's warmth.

Maeve opened the picnic basket, taking out the food she had prepared: a freshly baked bread, slices of cheese, cold fruit, and a bottle of homemade juice.

"I didn't know you planned all of this," Kruger commented, raising an eyebrow as she handed him a plate.

"I figured we might as well make a day out of it."

He took a bite of the bread, chewing thoughtfully before nodding. "It's good."

"I know."

He rolled his eyes at her smug tone but said nothing, simply continuing to eat. For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of nature. The rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, the soft lapping of water against the shore.

"...This is nice."

She glanced at him, slightly surprised. He wasn't one to openly admit things like that. She smiled softly.

"Yeah, it is."

Kruger turned to look at her then, his eyes flickering over her features. The way the golden light framed her face, the way her damp hair clung to her skin, the peaceful expression she wore, he had to look away before his thoughts spiraled too far. Maeve, on the other hand, found herself staring at him. The way the sunset painted his skin in warm hues, the way his damp hair fell messily over his forehead, the way his lips curled slightly as he chewed—

She swallowed, quickly looking away.

No. She refused to acknowledge what she was feeling. Because if she did, then it would be real, and she wasn't sure she was ready for that.

Instead, she forced a small laugh, nudging Kruger's arm. "Who knew you could be sentimental?"

"Shut up."

She only giggled, shaking her head. As the sun dipped lower, casting an orange glow over the lake, neither of them said anything else. But in that moment, words weren't needed, because in the quiet, in the warmth, in the stolen glances and soft laughter. Something unspoken lingered between them.

--

The walk back home was peaceful, the kind that settled deep into the soul and made the world feel quiet. The air was crisp after their swim, carrying the scent of fresh earth and damp grass. Maeve felt lighter, as if the weight of her emotions had been washed away in the lake.

Kruger walked beside her, hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze relaxed as he occasionally glanced toward her. Every now and then, she would catch his eyes lingering, but neither of them said anything. For a moment, everything felt right. But that peace shattered the moment they neared her house and saw Lloyd standing outside her door. Maeve slowed down, her stomach twisting at the sight of him pacing back and forth, his hands on his hips. The second he spotted them, his expression morphed into one of exaggerated relief, and he rushed toward her.

"Oh, thank god you're okay, Maeve! I've been knocking and calling for hours, but no one answered! I thought something had happened to you!"

She blinked, her exhaustion from the day creeping back. "Lloyd, what—?"

"And him!" Lloyd suddenly pointed an accusatory finger at Kruger, his expression twisting into one of suspicion. "He was gone too! What, did he take you somewhere against your will?"

"What? No—"

"You can tell me, Maeve. If he's forcing you into something—"

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Lloyd," she snapped, rubbing her temples in frustration. "Stop."

But Lloyd wasn't listening. His gaze remained locked on Kruger, who had yet to say a word, his jaw tightening as he observed the situation.

"Are you blackmailing her?" Lloyd accused, stepping forward. "Is that why she's letting you stay? What kind of dirt do you have on her—"

"Lloyd, enough!" She cut in, her patience wearing dangerously thin. "You're being ridiculous!"

But he still wasn't listening. Instead, he suddenly reached out, grabbing her wrist in an attempt to pull her away from Kruger. The sharp pain that shot up her arm from her still-sore burn made her gasp, her body jerking slightly at the sensation.

Kruger moved before he could think. In a flash, he grabbed Maeve's waist, pulling her sharply against his chest and ripping her away from Lloyd's grasp. His other hand shot up, shoving Lloyd back with enough force to make him stumble a step.

The air between them instantly turned deadly.

"Back off," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. His hand remained firm around her waist, keeping her behind him as he squared his shoulders.

Lloyd steadied himself, his face twisting with rage. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"The guy keeping you from crossing a line you shouldn't be crossing," Kruger shot back, his tone eerily calm. Lloyd scoffed, stepping forward again, but Eren didn't budge. If anything, his stance only became more solid, his grip on her not loosening even a fraction.

"She doesn't need you," Lloyd spat. "I've been here for her longer than you have! Where the hell did you even come from? What do you want from her?"

"I could ask you the same thing,"

"I'm protecting her," Lloyd argued.

Kruger's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk. "From what?"

"From you."

He let out a dry laugh, but there was no amusement behind it. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near growl. "You think I'd ever hurt her?"

"I don't know what you're capable of," Lloyd snapped. "For all I know, you're dangerous."

Eren took a step forward, forcing Lloyd to tilt his head up slightly to maintain eye contact. Despite Lloyd's broad frame, Eren felt like a wall in front of him, his presence suffocating, his rage barely contained.

"And what if I am?"

Lloyd stiffened.

For a moment, it seemed like they were seconds away from throwing punches. The tension was thick, the air heavy, their glares locked like a silent war was waging between them.

"That's enough!" Maeve snapped, stepping between them, placing a firm hand on Kruger's chest before turning to face Lloyd with a sharp glare.

"Lloyd, look, i'm only gonna say this once," she said, her voice as sharp as a blade. "I do not appreciate you coming here unannounced and making a damn scene in front of my home."

Lloyd opened his mouth to argue, but Maeve wasn't done.

"I have been very clear that I don't like you in that way, I appreciate your kindness, I do. But I would appreciate it even more if you respected my boundaries."she continued, anger lacing every word.

Lloyd's face faltered slightly. His shoulders tensed. Finally, finally, he seemed to realize that Maeve was angry. The fight in him wavered. He exhaled sharply through his nose before looking away.

"...I was just worried about you," he muttered.

"I can take care of myself,"

A tense silence followed. Eventually, Lloyd sighed and reached for something he had left on the ground—a small wooden box. He held it out to her.

"This is from Gloria," he said gruffly. "She asked me to bring it to you."

Her expression softened just slightly. She took the box with a small nod. "Thank you."

Lloyd glanced between her and Kruger before shaking his head. "I'll... see you around."

With that, he turned and walked away. Kruger didn't move until Lloyd was out of sight. His shoulders were still tense, his eyes dark with lingering irritation. Maeve let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding before turning to look at him.

"...Sorry," she muttered.

"You have nothing to apologize for."

She hesitated before glancing at him. "You... you didn't have to do that."

His jaw clenched. "The hell I didn't."

She blinked, startled by the quiet fury in his tone. He looked down at her wrist, the same one Lloyd had grabbed. Without thinking, he reached for it, carefully turning it over to inspect it. His fingers were gentle, almost hesitant, as he ran his thumb lightly over her skin. Her breath hitched at the sudden tenderness in his touch.

For a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Kruger's eyes flickered to hers. His fingers lingered just a second longer before he finally released her hand.

"...Let's go inside."

She swallowed, nodding wordlessly. As they stepped inside together, the weight of what had just happened settled between them. But the way he had defended her, how angry he had been, how protective, it stirred something in her chest that she wasn't sure she was ready to acknowledge.

And worse?

She wasn't sure if she wanted to fight it anymore.

hi. thank you so much for the support you have given to this story of mine, i wasn't really expecting it to blow up. nonetheless, i hope you are enjoying reading 'her gift' so far :)

She had thought about asking him but in the end, she kept her thoughts to herself. It may be better to let it go. Besides, she reasoned, perhaps this was just how his body worked. A fast metabolism, quick healing, maybe that's where all the food he'd been eating had gone. And god, did he eat, but at least he wasn't just lying around anymore. If anything, she was growing used to having him there.

More than used to it. Well.. maybe too used to it.

She found herself leaning against the wooden fence, watching as he worked. The afternoon sun was high, a golden haze casting warmth over the farm. Kruger was shirtless, again, because, in his words, "It's hot, and I'm not wearing that damn shirt just to get it dirty." She had rolled her eyes at him, but at this point, she had completely given up trying to argue.

So instead, she simply watched as he drove another nail into the fence post, securing the last of the repairs. His arms flexed with the movement, muscles rippling under his skin, his jaw set in concentration. His hair, still damp from the morning mist, stuck to his forehead, and she hated how effortlessly good he looked.

"You're staring," He said without looking up.

She jolted, clearing her throat. "I'm supervising."

He gave a small smirk, glancing up at her from beneath his lashes. "Oh? And how am I doing, supervisor?"

"You missed a spot."

Kruger scoffed but turned back to his work. "You're lying."

"Maybe," she hummed. "Maybe not."

"Annoying." she only smiled.

Later that afternoon, she led him to the sheep pens.

"Alright, farmhand," she teased, handing him a wooden bucket filled with warm water and soap. "Time to see if you can handle giving the sheep a bath."

Kruger lifted an unimpressed brow. "You're joking."

"I am not," she said, setting down her own bucket. "They need a wash, and I need a hand. So, chop chop."

He sighed but rolled up his sleeves. "Fine. But if they kick me, I'm blaming you."

"Don't worry. They'll love you. Maybe."

The first few minutes were uneventful until one of the sheep absolutely decided it wanted no part in this and bolted. He, of course, chased after it.

She stood there, half amused, half in awe as she watched the scene unfold. Kruger, barefoot in the dirt, muscles flexing as he lunged for the sheep, only for it to swerve at the last second, making him nearly faceplant into the mud.

"Damn it!" He cursed, shaking the dirt from his hands.

She doubled over laughing. "Oh my god!"

Kruger glared at her, wiping sweat off his brow. "Help me."

"No way," she wheezed. "This is too good."

"You're the worst," He muttered, before finally tackling the sheep and securing it in his arms. The sheep gave one last pitiful bleat of protest before surrendering to its fate.

When he looked up at Maeve again, she was still smiling, bright, genuine, and warm. And god help him, he wanted to keep looking at that smile forever.

That evening, she had expected to end the day quietly. What she hadn't expected was Kruger bursting into the house, covered in dirt, sweat, and what she could only assume was afterbirth.

"Maeve!"

She jumped at his sudden entrance. "What—?"

"The cow," Kruger panted, leaning against the doorframe. "She's giving birth."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, shit."

She didn't waste another second, grabbing what she needed before rushing outside. The barn was warm, dimly lit by the lanterns hanging from the beams. One of her cows was lying on the hay, her sides heaving as she struggled through labor.

He was already crouched beside her, his hands steady despite the tension in his jaw. "Tell me what to do."

She hesitated. "You really wanna—?"

"Maeve," he looked at her, really looked at her. "Just tell me what to do."

So she did. Together, they worked. The night stretched long, filled with quiet commands, whispered reassurances to the mother cow, and the occasional brush of Kruger's arm against hers. His hands were firm but gentle, his focus unwavering.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, A small, wobbly calf finally entered the world. Maeve exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat from her brow as the newborn made its first weak cries. Kruger sat back on his heels, watching as the mother cow nuzzled her calf. His expression was unreadable, but there was a softness in his gaze that she had never seen before.

"...You did good," she murmured.

He let out a slow breath, before turning his gaze to her.

"You too."

For a long moment, neither of them moved. She became painfully aware of how close they were, knees brushing, the warmth of his skin despite the cool night air, the intensity in his gaze that made her stomach flip.

She swallowed, glancing away. "We should... probably clean up."

Kruger didn't reply immediately. But then he nodded. "Yeah."

That same night, as he lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, he felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest. A feeling he hadn't allowed himself to have in years. He should be planning his next move. Should be thinking about where to go, how to keep moving forward.

But instead... All he could think about was her.

Her laughter. The way her brows furrowed in concentration. The warmth of her voice when she said his name. And worse, how much he didn't want to leave. How much he wanted to protect her, to stay just a little longer.

Just a little longer.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Kruger?"

His eyes flickered toward the stairs. Maeve stood there, dressed in her nightclothes, bathed in the soft glow of the lantern she held in her hands. She looked hesitant, as if debating whether or not she should have come down at all.

He immediately sat up. "What is it?"

She stepped closer, revealing that she was holding a pair of shoes in her arms.

"Gloria sent these, they're new. She figured you could use them."

Kruger blinked in surprise. For a moment, he just stared at the shoes in her hands, unsure of what to say. She barely even knew him, yet she had sent him something as if he were... a part of this life. Slowly, he reached out and took them. The leather was sturdy but soft, clearly well-made.

"...Tell her thanks," he muttered. She seemed to study his face for a moment, her expression unreadable. He must have looked troubled, because instead of turning to leave, she hesitated.

"Are you okay?" she finally asked.

Kruger forced himself to relax. "Yeah. Just... tired."

Maeve didn't push further. She simply smiled, a small, knowing smile that made his chest tighten.

"Alright, then get some rest. Goodnight, Kruger." She turned toward the stairs.

"Wait."

Maeve paused, glancing over her shoulder. He swallowed, gripping the shoes in his hands. His mind scrambled for an excuse, any excuse, but his throat felt dry, and his heart was hammering against his ribs.

"I, uh—" He cleared his throat. "Would it be... okay if I stayed a little longer?"

The words left him before he could stop them.

"Huh?"

"I mean—" He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly flustered. "Just for a little longer. I... still want to help out around here. I mean, I owe you for everything, so—"

Her soft laughter cut him off. He froze. Then, to his utter horror, he realized he was stammering. When was the last time he had stammered?

"Kruger."

He shut his mouth. She took a step closer, smiling warmly.

"I'd like that, I'm happy with you staying."

Eren felt something twist deep in his chest. Before he could say anything, before he could even react. Maeve gave him one last look, turned on her heel, and made her way upstairs.

He barely noticed himself nodding, barely noticed himself mumbling a soft, "Goodnight."

Because all he could focus on was how warm his face suddenly felt. The way she had smiled at him. The way she had laughed.

"I'm happy with you staying."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He had seen war. He had witnessed things no man should ever have to witness. He led millions of titans to kill everyone outside of Paradis.

Yet nothing had ever made his heart race the way Maeve just did.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

He was in deep.