#jaeger!reader

there was no greeting, but it wasn't awkward either. she just got straight to talking.

“i owe you another apology,” she said quietly. partially because you guys were in a library right now but the other part was because she was ashamed.

you raise an eyebrow, allowing her to continue on.

“i talked about you,” she admits. “after the fight. i shouldn’t have.”

you study her for a moment, thinking about how you’ve never had someone take accountability for anything they’ve done to you let alone something that you didn't even know about. so you just nod.

“thanks for telling me.”

she fidgets with her sleeve. “you didn’t deserve any of that.”

you don’t say it’s okay.

you say, “i know.”

and that’s when sasha smiles. small. relieved. that was enough for her. as long as everything was out in the open between you two she really wanted to try being friends with you. so… she took this as her chance.

“you hungry?” she asks you, nervous of how you were going to respond to the sudden change of conversation.

but if there was one thing you were always down for, it was food.

“oh baby, i can always eatttt.” you said, a smile growing on your face.

you both gathered your belongings and hustled out of the library, the thought of food exciting you.

“you know, i should’ve known you were a foodie because of your damn instagram.” you said with a laugh as you both pushed out the library doors.

”i mean duh, how do you think i got this thick? plus my parents fed me a lottt as a kid.” she laughed along with you. the two of you started making you way to the student parking lot because sasha said she had her car and was willing to drive the both of you. (and also because she didn't feel like walking the whole way there).

so you and sasha hopped into her car, you noticed how cute her interior decorations were, buckled up, connected to the aux and headed to your destination.

it was about a 5 minute car ride to the ramen shop you both agreed on. it didn't take long for either of you to grab your wallets, unbuckle and walk through the shop’s doors.

the little bell above you rang as you entered the small family restaurant, letting the hostess know a new customer had arrived. you both walked to the front noticing you had to order your food before you sat.

sasha watched as you joked with the cashier, she was a young girl about the same age as you two. she watched as you rolled your eyes when your card declined and immediately switched to another card which then, approved. she notices how you laugh like there isn’t a weight on your shoulders.

she finally says, “you’re… not what i expected.”

you glance at her. “what did you expect?”

she shrugs. “someone meaner. louder.”

you smirk. “is it because im black??”

sasha laughed nervously, her face immediately turning red. she looked like she just got called into the dean's office.

“no! no its not that i was just thinking in terms of our first interaction and your personality—" she started to ramble before you cut her off

”babes im just joking, youre gonna have to get used to that, fuckin with me.” you said as you both laughed off her reaction.

that’s it. that’s the moment.

the moment that you can truly say that you and sasha became friends.

as the laughter died down sasha turned her attention to you again.

“so who’s card did you use?” she asked, a small, yet knowing smirk on her face.

“my brother. girl you already know his money is my money too, thangya!” you said, knowing you could go on a shopping spree with eren’s card and all he would do is ask you what you bought.

sasha laughed in response, a smile on her face as she already knew that was the answer.

“buuuut…” you started as you noticed the waiter coming to your table with your food in hand.

he placed your bowls in front of you and asked if you needed anything else before he departed. you both said no and he politely bowed before returning to the staff only area.

sasha looked back at you, waiting for you to continue, but when you didnt she got impatient. “buuuuttt what girl you cant just start like that and not finish!”

she needed the tea.

you sighed, finishing the food in your mouth before you answered her.

“that… weird thing keeps happening.” you said it like it wasn't the most insane thing shes heard today and on top of that she could tell you were dodging on purpose.

“that thing?? bitch just tell me.” she said, covering her mouth to accommodate the food she was chewing.

you let out an even bigger sigh, knowing you weren't getting out of this.

“connie! he keeps dropping off snacks on my balcony. its been like more than two weeks since the basket i told you about.”

all sasha could do is stare at you.

“he’s consistently climbing trees for you?” she was shocked because since when did chivalry come back?

”oh girl bye,” you laughed, taking another bite.

”no but in all seriousness, i think he likes you for real.” the face she made was smug and you hated it.

“but then there's the texts…” you said, sliding that small detail in knowing what she was gonna ask you next.

“bitch huh??? um??? phone? now please.” she said, but the way she said it tickled you a bit.

you laughing for a second before handing your unlocked phone over to her. you chowed down on your food as she read the numerous texts between the two of you. (or mostly connie talking to himself… and you letting him)

sasha set your phone down on the table, smiling at you knowingly.

“y/n, he like you, like you…” she said, knowing her teasing was gonna irritate you but she didn't care.

you sighed, rolling your eyes as you took the last bite of your ramen before you were left with nothing but broth.

you looked back at sasha, debating on what you were gonna say next.

you didn't even know if what you wanted to say was true, or if saying it out loud would jinx it, but you went for it anyway.

“i think we got a little… thing” your voice was quiet and you were hoping that she didn't even hear you over the ambiance of the restaurant.

but she did.

sasha froze mid-bite. she didn't answer immediately this time, picking up on your change of tone. you started telling her how you're nervous because of your previous history and how you haven't “talked” to someone in a while so you're overthinking everything and rightfully so.

sasha finally chimed in asking a genuine question this time.

”how does he make you feel?”

you hesitated before you answered so she kept going.

“does he make you feel the same as the other fuckers you dated or talked to?” she asked, barely getting her full sentence out before you replied,

“no.” it came out too fast to take back. so you paused before taking a breath.

“not at all honestly, but i don't know what he makes me feel.”

sasha sighed, knowing how you felt. “then don’t name it right now. just feel him out… but don't give him a hard time if this is something that you really want.”

you don't answer her, taking a second to soak in her words while you pick at the remnants of the broth sitting in your bowl.

but then, she switches back to the sasha you know.

she started cheesing and teasing you and all you could do was roll your eyes.

“we lost her” she joked leaning back in her seat

”chat, she's gone…” she said, literally pointing and laughing at you, obviously joking.

all you can think is she just gon keep going.

“shes in love with a bald man.” she started cracking up, but you sat up in your seat so quickly.

“hes not bald, it's a buzz cut!!!!” you clarified, laughing despite what she said.

sasha couldn't contain her laughter, “i know that's right girl, defend your man!”

your laugheter died down at the same time as hers and all you could say was “bitch ima fuck you up.”

and then you both burst out laughing again.

“yeah say that again in three days when you're texting him good morning,” she said as she finally finished off the last of her drink.

but when you hesitated, even though it was just for a second, she clocked it immediately.

”oh???” her reaction was priceless.

“bitch you hesitated. you got it badddd” she teased and teased and you just sat there taking it all in.

”i hate you.” you said, finally happy you can let yourself loose with someone.

sasha shook her head, “you love me and you love that man.”

you finally sat back in your seat, "you're insane…”

you shake your head, laughing despite yourself.

sasha just hums in agreement.

“but i'm right though.”

you didn't say anything after. the two of you finished off whatever you had left before grabbing your stuff and heading back to the parking lot.

you were both cracking jokes as you walked back deciding to sit on the hood of her car and just vibe for a bit longer.

the laughter died down naturally, the atmosphere now quiet besides the sounds of nature and cars driving by. there was a small moment where you looked at sasha, really looked at her.

you hadn't realized how much you missed this.

not the drama or the rumors.

just this.

being able to sit across from someone who sees you… and wants to stay.

you bump her leg with your own to grab her attention.

“i did miss you, you know.”

and what you probably love most about sasha is that she doesn’t make it a big thing. she just nudges you back and says,

“i know.” nudging you back like it wasnt a big deal.

and now you knew for sure this girl was gonna be your ride or die.

and you would ride for her too.

it was few days later and you were coming home from school. eren was busy again today so you told him instead of his friends coming to get you, that you’d just ask sasha for a ride. he agreed, figuring you actually trusted the girl now since you were asking her for rides and didn't question you further.

you unlocked your front door, stepping in before waving bye to sasha as she pulled out of your driveway. you closed the door, appreciating the a/c in your house for once since it was a hot day. dropping your bag and kicking your shoes off, you rolled your shoulders to relieve some tension as you walked towards the kitchen.

you stilled in the kitchen doorway as your eyes came in contact with connies. he was sitting on the counter of your kitchen drinking one of erens’ redbulls and munching on something but you couldn't tell what.

he doesn't even look surprised to see you, almost like he was waiting for you to get home.

he takes another sip of his redbull while holding eye contact with you, trying to see if you’d speak first. when you didn't though, he gave in.

“wassup, mi amor.” he said, acting like he hadn’t been waiting here.

you couldn't even focus on what he was saying because your eyes flicked back to your brother's redbull and that food he had.

where the fuck did he get that? like was it something ej bought for me to eat?

but before you assume you decide to respond to him.

”why are you in my house like you pay rent? and what? you just help yourself to shit now?” the attitude in your voice was thick, and connie loved every bit of it.

he slid himself off the counter, walking towards you. “first of all, amor, eren don't care if we take his shit and i bought this food myself.”

he stopped right in front of you but there was still a good amount of space between you.

“second of all, you mad or you just missed me?” he asks, trying to hide how smug he’s being.

you rolled your eyes at him, pushing past as you heard him chuckle at your reaction.

you couldn't help but think that this isn't the first time he’s been here ‘randomly’ but you ignore it for now. opening up the fridge, you grab one of your drinks and look for something to eat with it, but unfortunately you have no luck. you didn't feel like cooking and you ate your last hot pocket last night so if there wasn't anything in the fridge you’d have to order online.

you sigh, closing the fridge and turning to lean against the counter, noticing connie still hasn't left the room.

“you been here a lot lately,” you decided, since he didn't want to leave, that you’d try and see if you could understand him better.

he doesn't even deny your statement.

“i come over here all the time.” he says, because it's true but…

”not when eren’s not home you dont.” you knew you had said something right because connie froze, mid-sip.

his jaw flexed for half a second but it wasn't quick enough to get past you.

got him…

he swallowed his drink a bit slower and you watched him, trying to pick up on something, anything.

“you be noticing when im here?” his tone dipped, but instead of teasing, like he intended, he sounded curious.

you knew this was a trap so you avoided it because you weren't about to play his game.

“it's my house. i notice everything.”

connie just smirked and dropped his gaze, like he knew you were trying to be smart. so he’d just play along with you.

“mm. good.”

you nod, turning your attention to your phone as you push yourself up to sit on the counter, opening up doordash so you could order some food.

connie walked over to you, just wanting to irritate you some more so he leaned over your shoulder a tiny bit.

“what you doin?” his voice dropped now that he was closer to your ear. closer than necessary if you may add. it was like he was testing how much you’d let him get away with. it gave you chills, how bold he was, but it didn't show physically so he didn't notice it.

“can you back up sir im trying to order myself some food.” you said but there was no real bite.

”i seen you eyeing my food when you walked in.” he said, and just the mention of it had you putting your phone down, although you were trying to look annoyed.

“so?” you asked, for once, wanting him to continue talking.

”so you want a bite? its a sandwich i got from the bodega. its a new one they have but i tried it and its so fucking good,” he started ranting and it made you chuckle a bit.

you lowkey thought it was cute how interested he was in telling you about a sandwich from…

what did he call it??

you watched him in his explanation as he walked back to where he left his sandwich so he could bring it to you to try.

but you had a question.

”whats a bodega?” you asked, what you thought was a harmless question but when connie gasped and stopped in his tracks you figured maybe it wasn't.

connie looked at you like what you said was illegal.

“… you serious right now?”

you just stared at him, confused. “what?”

he drags a hand down his face shaking his head, knowing he was just being dramatic.

“ay dios mío… she doesn't know what a bodega is, “ he mumbles under his breath, half to himself and half to the universe.

you fold your arms, adjusting yourself on the counter as you laughed at his overdramatic reaction.

“okay alright relax bodega boy, not everyone grew up wherever you did.” you said.

“nah, nah its not even like that,” connie picked the sandwich back up, holding it like its a trophy. “a bodega is like… corner store. but better. like—“ he literally pauses to emphasize the sandwich in his hands, “you go in for one thing, come out with a whole meal, a drink, and probably a life lesson.”

you raised a brow. “a life lesson?”

”yeah,” he nods, dead serious. “like dont trust nobody who rush your sandwich.”

that makes you genuinely laugh, shaking your head.

“you’re funny.”

“and you're hungry,” he shot back. “we gotta fix that.”

there was something soft in his tone now. not teasing. offering.

he unwrapped the sandwich, showing you all its glory, and gestures for you to take it from him.

“hm. take a bite.”

you look at it.

then at him.

then back at it.

and instead of grabbing it, you tilted your head slightly. (which, first of all, drove connie insane.)

”…no.”

his brows pulled together. “no?”

you lean back on your hands against the counter, eyes flicking up at him just a little too knowingly.

“feed it to me.” you said, holding his gaze like you didn't just cross the line.

you could hear a pin drop, how silent it was.

it wasn't a long silence though as you watch something in his face change. his tongue dragged slowly across his bottom lip before he could stop himself. “you a minx with everyone or you just doin this on purpose?”

you could tell that you were getting him.

and you liked it.

”tik tok, bodega boy.” you said as a smirk played on your lips.

he adjusted his stance as he spoke up. “oh,” a small huff of a laugh followed. “you bougie like that?”

you just shrugged, playing it off like you werent nervous as fuck from how close he was to you.

“do you know who my brother is?” you say casually. “erens been spoiling me since i was like… born. i dont reach for nothing.”

that does it. he's a goner, guys. you're not like any girl he's ever met and now he's really interested.

he steps closer to you, almost close enough to trap you but not quite there yet.

its enough that you feel his presence though, and he made sure of that.

“ight,” he says quietly. “say less.” he steps in like he forgot how much space he was supposed to leave between you.

he grabs half of the sandwich, setting the other half down, and lifts it to your mouth. your eyes stay on his hand at first.

then your gaze meets his.

and now you're both looking at each other.

and it feels way too long for something this simple. the air went from heavy to tense real quick.

and trust, fucking with connie, its the right kind of tense.

”open,” he says, his tone low but not demanding. it wasn't joking either.

you don't even realize you listened until you already have.

he brings the sandwich to your lips, his hand underneath ready to catch anything that falls.

you take a bite and chew but you don't look away and neither does connie.

it's not even about the sandwich anymore.

for either of you.

connie swallows.

hard.

his free hand is flexing at his side like he was fighting the urge to touch you somewhere he shouldn't.

you start feeling the heat between your legs so you swing your right leg over your left, just barely brushing his thigh.

it could’ve been an accident…

but it wasn't.

“its good?” he asked, his voice rougher now, and you noticed it.

you nod slowly, refusing to be the one to break eye contact.

“…yeah.” you paused for a second. “you was right.”

he huffs a soft laugh, shaking his head.

“i usually am” he said, not cocky, but proud.

you could tell, besides the fact that he was looking at you, that he was watching you. almost like he was trying to figure you something out.

connie was about to say something when he was interrupted…

by a car engine.

outside.

both of you freeze. your eyes flick to the window and then back to each other.

you were first to speak. “fuck, its eren,” your voice dropped as if he’d be able to hear you two from all the way in his car.

that immediately shatters the atmosphere that the two of you had created unknowingly.

you hopped off the counter and connie stepped out your way.

you were quick to grab your drink but you looked back when you heard connie wrapping up the rest of the sandwich.

you paused.

then you walked back and snatched it.

“…yo,” he laughs under his breath, “you serious?” but he didn't move to stop you.

you were already halfway out the kitchen, phone, drink and sandwich in hand.

“consider it payment.” you said, as you turned the corner, knowing he’d follow you.

”for what?”

you turn back to him before you head up the stairs, a tiny smirk playing on your lips.

“for being in my house like you pay rent.” you say, giving him a look up and down before trying to hide the fact that your smirk is growing.

you turned to walk up the stairs as you said your last words to him for the day.

“…later, springer.” your eyes dipping down for half a second and then you disappeared upstairs like nothing happened.

connie was confused why you emphasized his last name like that but then he looked down.

it was silent as he stood there for a second.

then he groans, turning to walk to the couch.

“coño…” he said to himself, a hand dragging over his face.

“i need to get it together bro”

he grabs a one of the throw pillow on the couch as he sits down, dropping it on his lap and sighing.

“that girl gon be the death of me, i swear to god…” and the worst part? he wasn't even mad about it

its when he hears keys at the door that hes straightens up. grabbing the controller he turns on the ps5.

his smirk never let his face though…

why would it?

sneaky springer took a w tonight. (in his book at least)

the next night you were sitting on your balcony smoking a blunt. it was another school night and you had finished all you homework so you were texting sasha and scrolling through instagram, giving yourself a little “me” time.

you couldn't help but let your thoughts wander to yesterday.

how close connie was.

you brushing against his leg.

how he was waiting for you when you got home…

it was driving you crazy…

you hadn’t thought of anyone you’ve ever dated this much and in the matter of a few weeks connie has managed to find himself in your head rent free. (of course you’d never let him know that though.)

to satiate your thoughts, you decided to go back and read some of you and connies messages. you were enjoying the night's ambiance as you scrolled, allowing yourself to be absorbed in your blunt and your phone. the wind felt nice against your skin, your night routine already done and pajamas already on you knew you’d be going to bed soon.

you heard a car pull in the driveway, not paying it any mind as you reread the messages connie sent you. you assumed it was eren coming home from getting food until you heard the rustling of leaves below you.

it didn't scare you, at this point you knew it was connie since you had bumped into him sneaking onto your balcony a few times now.

you stood from your seat walking over to lean against your balcony but still looking at your phone.

you heard a familiar soft laugh from below you.

“someone owe you money or something? why you lookin at your phone like that?” he spoke in a low, joking, tone but you weren't that far up so you could hear him fine.

without looking at him you answered, “…you gon fall out that tree one day and im just gonna laugh.”

connie started climbing up the tree like it was a part of his normal workout routine now. “nah. you’d catch me.” he chuckled

you looked at him crazy as he carefully balanced his way over to your balcony’s railing.

“how the hell would i catch you if im up here.” you asked him, trying to hide the smile on your face.

”dont read into it babe... may i?” he gestured, asking if he could step onto your balcony.

that babe word had you freezing for a second before you shook it off and hummed in agreement.

he pulls himself onto the balcony but still leaves a good amount of space between the two of you. he’s acting like he’s learned boundaries…

oh, please you thought as you recalled yesterday, mentally rolling your eyes.

connie, being nosey as ever, peaked at your phone and noticed what you had open. a smile spreading on his face like a wildfire.

”you just like reading my messages or you missed me?”

you huffed a dry laugh and rolled your eyes.

“that must be your favorite thing to say. you text like you talk,”

conie raises a brow. “how?”

”too much.”

he laughed at that one but came back and clocked your tea.

“oh yeah? but you the one sitting here reading them.

you don't deny it like you usually would and he noticed that.

there was a pause for a second before he pulled something out…

its not a full basket this time. its a gift bag. your favorite snacks, the bodega sandwich, and a few drinks were organized into the bag for you. connie pointed out the warhead lollipops which was something he’s never gotten you before.

“they ain’t have the ones you like, the blowpops, so i grabbed these instead… you said you liked sour last time.”

he remembered something that small…?

you feel like you guys had texted about it like once before but you didn't expect him to remember that.

you decide not to thank him directly, instead opening the bag of lollipops, taking one for yourself and then offering one to him.

he’s stunned for a second because you’ve never offered to share anything with him before. that was like the root of the problem when you two met to be fair so this?

this felt like a new kind of high for connie and it only increased when your hands brushed as he took the lollipop from you.

neither one of you pulled away at first, but realizing what you were doing you pulled your hand back and stood up straight.

“you do too much…” you mumbled, as if only you were supposed to hear it.

but connie took a step forward, “you think so? because i dont think i’m doing enough.”

the tone of his voice dropped and it sent chills down your spine.

this time, he noticed.

his eyes moving to meet yours, slower this time.

“…there it is” he smirked, knowing now that he does have an effect on you.

before he could say anything else though you brought yourselves back to reality. “…you should go. eren might be home soon.”

connie took a step back this time as the atmosphere, once again, shattered.

he just played it cool, slowly making his way back to his escape route.

“yeah… i was about to leave anyway.”

he wasn't.

you both knew that.

he lingered for a second before making his way back over the railing and climbing down.

he made his way back to his car giving you one last look before he got in. you stayed on your balcony with your snacks and phone still in hand as you watched him pull out and drive away.

you look at where his car was parked one last time, before turning to your phone and opening his messages again.

after that night connie was everywhere.

you’d bump into him in the kitchen more often than anything and his excuse was always “i got here early im just waiting for the boys.”

but then you’d be leaving to go grab some food with sasha and right as you walk out the door here he come walking up your porch. you sigh heavily. “why are you hereee??”

connie sucks his teeth and grins, “man, i just parked, i aint even get inside yet and you already irritated with me.”

you simply walked away, a soft, “and is.” could be heard as your voice fades away.

you know he couldn't see the knowing smile on your face as you walked but you do know what he was looking at and now you're so glad you put on your good jeans before you left the house…

and then the next time you see him lounging on the couch in your living room you don't even say anything to him. you just roll your eyes and go on about your business, not wanting to interact with him while eren's home because you don't know where it could lead.

he's dropping snacks off weekly. he's sending good morning texts. before it was sometimes you reply and sometimes you dont but now…

the good morning texts have become a daily thing for you. of course you're never texting first but waking up and seeing that connie has texted you good morning has started to become one of your favorite parts of your day.

at this point, you couldn't call it a coincidence anymore…

you couldn't deny that everything he did felt like it meant something.

two weeks since the balcony and you're still seeing connie everywhere. things have changed since then but you still have your doubts about all of this.

it was a friday and you were on facetime with sasha, both of you doing your own thing but yapping with each other here and there. laid out on your bed in your pajama short set, you were enjoying the new show sasha recommended to you when you heard your stomach grumbling.

you groaned aloud, too lazy to go downstairs to grab yourself something to eat. you had forgot to ask eren to restock your fridge so it was currently empty.

“sashimiiiii” you whine, trying to get your friends' attention.

she was doing her nails so she was pretty locked in but she heard you so without looking at the camera she answered you.

”why are you whining and where did this nickname come from?” she asked, a soft laugh mixed into her tone.

“im hungryyy,” you said, wishing she could teleport so she could just go downstairs to get your snacks.

she side eyed the camera, raising a brow. “is that the answer to both questions?” she asked, amused at how lazy you were being because its not common for you.

”yes,” you huffed because she still wasn't solving your problem.

‘’well then get your lazy ass up and go to your kitchen. actin like you dont got hella food downstairs.” she mumbled the last part to herself as she focused on putting a charm on her ring finger but you heard her and just groaned in response.

pausing your show and standing from the bed, you quickly grab your phone and tell sasha you’d be right back before hanging up and heading downstairs to grab yourself something to eat.

unfortunately though you wouldn't be right back. that much was obvious when you made it down the last few steps and looked to see connie blocking the kitchen doorway. you didn't have to avoid him this time because eren isn't home today, so you walked up to him slowly, waiting for him to pull his attention from his phone to you.

“why are you standing in the doorway like you security or something?” you asked him, as you stopped to stand right in front of him.

”what, i cant be at my friends house?” he said, trynna be slick.

you scoffed a bit, second guessing your thoughts from yesterday.

i cant tell with him. maybe he really is just playing with me and he's trynna see how far he can get.

“not when your friend not home.” you said with more attitude than you intended, but you can see how connie notices and straightens up a little bit.

…oh. that did something.

you don't know what but you decided to move past it, opening your phone to immediately text sasha about this.

connie, on the other hand, was processing the attitude you just gave him. it didn't feel like the joking attitude you've had recently, it felt like the attitude you had the day you two met.

he glanced down at your phone to see who you were texting but he didn't quite catch it as you swiped out of the text thread. though, there was something in your texts that did catch his eye. something he felt like he needed to address now.

“you aint even save my number yet ma?” he asked, as he let out a quiet breath through his nose. it was a dry laugh like he was upset almost.

you didn't look up though, just continuing to the fridge as you texted your friend. “you ain't earn one yet.” you said off-handedly, as you set your phone down on the counter and move to open the fridge.

but…

connie catches your wrist before you can reach the handle. it's not tight but stern as he gently turns you to face him. you paused because you didn't even know he was following behind you.

looking at his hand and then at him you realize

…i’m letting him touch me.

why am i letting him touch me?

you don't think to pull away immediately and that's the first thing that alarms you because normally you would.

connie brings you back as he finally speaks up, "don't do me like that.” his voice was quieter.

he wasn't smiling.

he wasn't joking.

you could tell this was… different.

”do you like what? i said it how it is.” you said as you wiggled your wrist out of his grasp. you looked at him for a second but when he didn't say anything you tried to turn back to the fridge.

thats when his hand slides to your hip, pulling you back in place, closer than the two of you have ever been before.

it was dangerous.

it didnt feel aggressive, it just felt… controlled. like connie needed you to just listen for a second.

…okay?

this… is new.

but for once you don't snap, you freeze.

because it’s connie...

so you don’t push him off, you just… stay.

looking at him.

he exhales because he feels like he’s been holding this in for weeks. and he has honestly, from you and himself. but seeing his number still unsaved in your phone all this time makes him want to be more up front with you.

“i don’t know what you think i been doin… but i ain’t been playin with you.”

you scoffed like it was a reflex when you hear someone say those words. it was a defense mechanism that was muscle memory at this point.

”i’ve heard that before,” you say, regretting giving him the chance to speak to you but he tightens his grip on your hip, his other hand coming up to rest on the other side as he held you in front of him. not tight but just enough to keep you there.

the look on his face wasn't one that you've seen on him before.

connie hoped that he wasn't crossing a line by holding your waist like this. it was the only way he could get you to just… not leave yet.

he started to speak again, still quiet, but a bit more rushed like he was just trying to get everything out.

“ight, then hear it again. but listen this time.”

you can't pinpoint what is about this moment that feels differently than the others but still cant help but think, who he feeling like…?

but you don't interrupt so he can keep going.

”you think i'm out here climbin trees for fun?”

”you think i’m droppin stuff off every week ‘cause i'm bored?”

”you think i'm textin you every morning just to run up my phone bill?” he asked, his voice getting lower and lower as he spoke.

connie let out a soft chuckle before he said the next part. because this was the moment for him where he actually started to believe it.

“you think i'm out here rememberin what snacks you like… for what? entertainment?” his voice cracks just slightly, proving to you that he's trying to be vulnerable right now as if his words weren't enough.

he exhales and runs a hand over his face trying to regain himself before he brings his gaze back to meet yours.

“you got me doing shit i dont even recognize.”

you didn't know what it was about this man but his voice right now was sending shivers down our spine but you still had some questions that you wanted answered. just because your brother and his friends graduated from the university you go to doesn't mean people don't talk about them anymore.

especially connie. so you tilted your head at him, eyes narrowing just slightly, “…so what, im supposed to ignore everything i heard about you?”

that was it. the question of the night. connie sighed, knowing he’d have to address this sooner or later but in this moment he’s glad its sooner.

he just nodded, accepting the fact that you probably heard about his history from other girls around campus.

“nah. don’t ignore it.” he drops his eyes to observe his hands on your hips as he speaks, not really proud about the shit he did.

his tone drops as he continues, “thats exactly why your brothers don't want me near you.

your brows pulled together because thats not what you expected.

he took accountability, told me not to ignore it, and explained why…

is he real?!?!

connie continues though, pulling you out of your thoughts again.

“i got a history. i messed with girls before and… yeah…” his voice was soft still, something you noticed when he started getting serious earlier, and you liked when he spoke like this. “i aint even gon clean it up for you… i did what i did and i can't take it back.”

right now, it felt like you were really talking to connie, not that class clown playboy that he always tries to be.

he shrugged slightly but there was no pride in it. he wasn't trying to flex.

his thumb rubbed a small part of your skin that he could reach from where his hands were placed as he continued to let all his thoughts pour out.

“…i just never cared enough to do better.”

that part was heavy. you could tell that connie is definitely outside his comfort zone but he wanted to tell you everything he could before this sudden courage went away.

and then he looks at you again, his eyes drawing over your face as he takes in your appearance over and over.

“i never cared enough to stay either.” he said as he pulled you forward by the grip he had on you, bringing you closer to him the before if that were even possible.

he leaned down towards your ear, wanting you to hear this part clearly.

“…that’s because i ain’t never wanted to stay.”

that the difference…

his grip on your hips loosens slightly for a second, still there, just softer.

“but you…” he pauses, like he's deciding if he should say it or not. “you make me feel something else amor,” he says as he huffs a breath, almost laughing at himself.

“i dont even talk like this with girls.” he said.

you blinked, trying to process what he said.

what does that even mean?

but of course he answers you without even knowing.

“you ever heard me speak spanish with anybody but the boys?” he asks you, crossing his arms, momentarily removing his hands from your waist.

you try to think and when you do you really haven't heard him speak spanish with anyone but the boys. and even when it's with them it's like two words or less.

he nods like he knows your answer already and his voice dips as he keeps talking. “my mom used to be on my ass about that…”

he sighed, pausing for a second.

”shes always asking why i dont speak spanish with nobody outside of the house.” he said, looking off for a second. its small, and you almost don't notice it but there's a crack in his facade now.

“she was sad about it but i told her my native language is sacred and yet…” it was silent for a second, the only noise in the house being the soft sound of a car driving down the street every now and then.

he looks back at you, his jaw clenching as he pieces together something even he didn't realize.

”…and yet i been talking to you in spanish without even thinkin about it.” he said, almost as if he didn't mean to. he slipped and you can see the realization hit him in real time as he clears his throat and straightens up slightly. its too late now, you already saw.

connie almost regretted opening his mouth to begin with because now he’s said too much. he pauses for a second thinking about how he can get the conversation moving again.

“my moms really used to get on me for that… for not speaking spanish. i had to tell her i move like ain’t no girl worth keeping around.” he laughed, small and dry. you made a face at him but as he placed his hands back on your hips he said the last thing you expected to hear after what he just said.

”…you the first person that made me feel stupid for that.” he spoke gently. you can see the moment of weakness that he has, the moment of vulnerability he experiences as he looks away from you again trying to regain himself.

…he’s not joking.

he’s actually…

why does that feel… real.

you swallow, thanking the lord that people really cant read minds.

connie takes the last step in, finally closing the minuscule gap that was between the two of you as you brought your hands up to rest on his chest, allowing yourself to finally give in to the moment.

”i don't wanna guess with you.” his voice was steady now, almost grounded.

“i wanna know you for real.”

his thumb rubs your side again as you play with the fabric of his shirt, now too nervous to look at him.

connie isnt having that though. he lifts your chin with his finger looking you dead in your eyes as he says, “i dont wanna be another guy you talk about like ‘yeah he was cool while he lasted’,” that felt personal for him but he kept going because he wanted to get to his point.

“i wanna know you.” he said.

“like actually know you” he gestures between the two of you.

“what you like when nobody is watching,”

”what you eat when you're not trynna be cute,”

”what you listen to or watch when you cant sleep,"

”what makes you laugh for real, not that fake shit you be doin sometimes. yeah i seen it.” he said, and that gets a small laugh out of both of you.

but it fades as soon as it comes and you’re back to serious.

“…i wanna know you when its just you.” he said, refusing to break eye contact.

“not what people say you are. not what you show everybody else.” he says softer.

”you, y/n.” hearing your name roll off his tongue did something to you. it was different hearing it now. everything was different now after everything he just confessed to you.

you inhale slowly, trying to regain your composure after all of that.

“…you talk a lot,” your words were quiet and slightly shaky but you made sure to hide that part.

but your tone wasn't dismissive or annoyed like it’d usually be.

and connie notices immediately, of course he does, thinking he overwhelmed you or crossed a boundary, his grip leaves your hip first and he gives you space to breathe.

“yeah… but you still listen.”

then he turns and makes his way out of the kitchen like he didn’t just rearrange the entire relationship between you.

after that… absolutely nothing about him felt accidental anymore…

and the worst part? as scared as you are to go through with this…

you didn't want it to stop.

a/n: reblogs and feedback are appreciated! I hope you guys enjoy and it doesnt feel all over the place or anything !!

the boys pov:

it was around noon when the boys had pulled up to EJ house. the plan was for the boys to just vibe, play video games, smoke, and not talk about work. connie was doing something on his phone, jean and armin were playing mario kart on the ps5, and eren and ony were rolling up, of course.

eren finished rolling his blunt before ony did. right as he was about to spark the blunt though, he heard his phone ping.

he sucked his teeth, reaching into his back pocket to grab his phone. he was assuming it was you texting him during your classes because you were bored. there’s never a day where he doesn’t get a text from you asking him to pick you up early. unfortunately, the text he was reading right now was the opposite.

eren threw his head back on the couch, groaning audibly.

“diablo, EJ, fuck is your problem,” connie asked without looking up from his phone.

“keep talking and it’s about to become your problem, springer,” eren responded.

connie didn’t even react. he just kept using his phone as if he didn’t even hear EJ’s remark.

“nah but for real, what good?” ony asked as he sparked his blunt, taking a few puffs before handing it over to armin.

“why do the boss always gotta call me to do runs? this is like the third one this month, and this one is like a 2 hour drive both ways, and im not even moving that much shit.” eren ran a hand down his face, feeling exhausted. he really hated not being his own boss, but he knew working with this guy he’d eventually be the town’s main distributor and not just a dealer.

the rest of the guys were comfortable staying street level.

eren wasn’t.

if he played this right, by the end of the summer he wouldn’t be taking orders anymore. he’d be the one giving them.

“he just trust you the most. you know what hes preparing you for. he been trynna get out the game because he got a family now.” ony’s explanation made sense, but it was something he said that completely changed the track of eren’s thinking.

“i’m not gonna be able to pick up y/n…” eren realized.

though he said it under his breath so none of his friends heard him. he knew he would need one of his friends to go pick up his sister, but who could he trust the most…

jean? eh, he’s the most trustworthy, but you would think he’s boring and complain about having to ride with an “old white man”.

armin? he was still traumatized after the gun on the table thing.

connie? no. absolutely not. not an option. not happening.

so then that leaves

“ony you think you can pickup y/n from her classes today?” EJ knew it was a simple ask, but he was also feeling a bit weird about not picking up his own sister.

ony was mid ghost when eren had asked the question.

“uhh yeah why? you don’t think you’ll be back in time?”

he agreed easily. it wouldn’t be a difficult task. it’s just picking up little EJ from school.

eren hated when his friends asked him stupid questions. they knew he hated when he was asked stupid questions. lucky for eren though, his friends are fuck ups, so he's always covering their ass so that his mom doesnt cuss them to hell and kick them all out her house.

“i’m telling my mom you ate the last slice of her limited edition 13 layer chocolate cake,” eren said, finally sparking his blunt.

“nigga don’t do that.” ony sat up immediately.

the boys have always been close. snitching on each other to EJ’s mom has become a normal threat, but nobody actually wanted to mess with mama jaeger when she’s mad.

connie laughed from where he was on the couch.

“nah eren dont do that. your moms scary and im not dying over no cake.”

eren just rolled his eyes at connie’s comment.

ony was tapping erens arm trying to get him to change his mind as eren just laughed, knowing ony was gonna be paranoid about this for the rest of the day.

“your mom is already mad at me about her custom dish set that i broke way back when. please don’t tell carla,” ony begged.

eren pulls out his phone and starts texting someone, still puffing his blunt.

“that’s mama jaeger to you.”

ony, still worried EJ is texting his mom, leaned over his shoulder to peek and realized eren was just texting you to let you know he wasn’t picking you up.

it helped him relax, but now he’s realizing what he just got himself into. they were all on your bad side right now because they had assumed you were eren’s girlfriend. so you might not be the happiest on the planet to see them.

“ight im about to dip. ill text you when she wraps up her classes, and the only thing i ask is don’t let her walk to the car alone. i gotta go so dont do no funny shit. and i swear to god ony… my sister better be in one fucking piece when i get home.”

eren loves his little sister more than anything. that’s why it’s always him who picks you up, but today he needs to handle this. so all EJ can do is hope and pray his friends aren’t complete idiots and can pick you up without problems.

“you can trust me ren. it’s just picking her up and taking her home. no funny shit.”

with that being said, eren gave ony one last look as he grabbed the rest of what he needed and paused for one last second before heading out the door, leaving his friends in his house.

“finally i thought he’d never leave,” connie groaned.

“connie shut the fuck up. this is his shit we’re in right now. you’re just saying that bc yall beefing over a girl.” armin joked, causing jean and ony to laugh.

but connie didn’t.

maybe he did like you a little bit.

okay maybe more than a little bit…

what can he say? you were fine as hell and he wanted that.

no…

connie needed that.

sharp eyes, strict tone, and what do the girls say? body is tea? yeah that. connie thought everything about you was perfect, except for the fact that you’re eren’s little sister, but connie’s not gonna let that stop him.

“we’re not beefing over a girl. he just thinks i’m not gonna try talking to his sister because he put a little gun on the table. idc about nothing but that fine ass woman.”

“i don’t think you should be talking about eren’s sister like that, con. you know how he get” jean mumbled, but connie heard him.

while the two were bickering, ony got a text from eren of your class schedule and your phone number so he could text you when he arrived. without words he started grabbing the items that belonged to him because he noticed that your final class would be ending in about 40 minutes.

they finally stopped their conversation to ask ony where he was going.

“i’m going to pick up y/n from her classes,” ony explained as he put on his watch and packed away the rest of his rolling stuff.

that caught connie’s attention, but he wasn’t the first to speak up. it was armin who sucked his teeth and started getting up next.

“man, lemme go witchu. ain’t shit here anyways. jean keeps losing.”

that earned him a smack to the back of the head by jean, but he just laughed it off.

onyankopon didn’t care who came as long as he was leaving within the next few minutes, so he just extended the offer quickly before heading out.

“anyone else?”

the smirk spreading on connie’s face was a slick one. he knew what he was doing.

“yeah i’ll slide too.”

and that’s when jean started getting a bit worried about how this will affect eren’s trust with them. but he’s not a snitch, so he’s only taking mental notes of who does what, when they do it, and why if he can figure that out too.

in ony’s dumb little man brain though, he thought the more people he brought the safer you’d feel around them. its armin who stops to think next, pausing at the steps of the front entrance.

“yo ony you think i should text EJ and let him know connie and i are going with you?” armin asked. he didn’t wanna seem like they were trying to be sneaky. they were trying to be helpful.

ony answered armin.

“nah he already left, it’s fine.”

and with that the boys were off. connie stayed quiet during the interaction ony and armin had. he decided to sit in the backseat so he could stare out the window. it kept the two in the front from seeing the smirk that’s growing on his face. in connie’s head this was his chance to finally have a conversation with you.

and he wasn’t about to waste it.

it only took them about 25 minutes to make it to your campus. when he pulled onto campus he noticed how many students were outside. they were everywhere, playing football on the hill, studying on picnic blankets, or walking to class. it all made ony think back to the days he and the boys were in college. he drove for a few more minutes before finding the main business building eren was telling him about. ony had texted you a few times, but you weren't answering, so he assumed you were still in class.

by now ony had parked in the parking lot eren had let him know you would be in. he was looking at the messages he sent you, waiting for a response of some kind, but at this point he figured he wasnt going to get one.

“that her?” connie asked as he leaned over the middle console, peeking at ony’s phone.

and ony doesnt think twice, thinking its a harmless question, answers him, “yeah but shes not answering so i think ima just wait in front of the building til she come out.”

armin mentioned how he wanted some fresh air, so he offered to go with ony. ony just shrugged, not really caring.

connie doesn't comment, but he definitely starts plotting.

ony rolled the windows down halfway and took his keys out the ignition as he and armin exited the car.

connie looked at his friend like he was crazy.

“what the fuck you take me for, a dog? why don't you just leave the car on?” he asked as the two started to walk away from the car.

“its because that's exactly what i take you for, springer,” ony said with a smirk, using his keys to lock the car and turning to go find your building.

connie rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat, irritated that he decided not to go because its too late to change his mind now.

he was getting bored quickly, and he couldn't stop thinking about what you were doing right now and how much longer until you got out of class, so he decided to just pull out his phone and play a game until they get back.

it was his fifth time dying in crossyroad when he heard a notification sound go off.

but he noticed it wasnt his phone.

he looked into the front of the car again and he spotted it.

ony’s phone.

sitting in the cup holder.

unlocked.

it was still open to your chat, and connie sat for a second, looking at your name in ony’s phone.

“little jaeger”

he noticed that you hadn’t answered any of ony’s messages, and that made him laugh. connie was going to grab the phone, but there was something that was making him hesitate.

he had an idea, but he knew it was wrong…

so he thought about it for a second, about the pros and cons of taking your number from his homeboy's phone, the same homeboy that eren trusted with your number.

would this fuck up erens trust with ony…?

and its then that he decides to do something else.

his original idea was to just take a picture of your number from ony's phone, but that would leave proof.

so instead, he did the next best thing.

he memorized it.

no, he didn't just memorize it.

he burned it into his memory. he read it out loud under his breath a few more times before leaning back in his seat, just in time to see the three of you approaching the car.

finally…

y/n pov:

the walk to the car was annoying to say the least. you said it before and you'll say it again.

you were irritated. you did not want to spend your afternoon with these two ignorant ass niggas. they havent even apologized to you about what they said either.

when you got to the car ony motioned for you to go around to the other side. that just furthered your irritation.

he aint clear his car out knowing i was gon have to ride with him?

in reality they weren't really doing anything wrong, but it just felt like everything they did kept adding to the reasons why you were never gonna like them.

you rolled your eyes, walking to the other side of the car. you yanked the door open bc this isnt your brothers car, so you didn't really care about fucking it up, something you know EJ will scold you for later. once you opened the back seat door you looked inside and saw yet another familiar face.

“dale, you can get in. i don't bite,” connie said, knowing he was playin slick.

of course he’s here… mr fucking big back who you caught eating your snacks the other day.

you gotta be fucking kidding me.

“what the fuck are all of you doing hereeeeee” you groan, throwing your head back, completely defeated.

theyre fucking everywhere…

why are they fucking everywhere?????

connie was looking at you with a smirk on his face, as if he knew you would have that reaction.

“you aint miss us mama?”

armin turned his head back and looked at connie. they exchanged a look for a second. armin knew what connie was doing, and connie’s look told armin that he didnt give a fuck.

the silent communication was enough for armin to understand and scoff, rolling his eyes at his friend, sitting back forward in his seat.

you regained yourself and looked at each of them.

“you, blondie, why are you here?” you asked, not wanting, but needing answers.

“uhh safety? ion know for real, i just wanted to get out of the house” armin didn't really care about your bark or your bite. you were just like your brother, just not as scary.

“and you fatass?” you asked connie, referencing how he eats all your fucking snacks and youve been noticing it too.

armin snorted.

“damn con, she been waiting to say that”

connie sat back in his seat, acting like he owned the damn car.

“first of all, corazon, thats disrespectful”

he paused, sighing, before finally turning his head to look at you.

“second, are you still mad about your snacks?”

you couldn't focus on what he said because you didn't understand what he called you. it doesn't matter that you took 3 years of spanish in middle school and another 4 in high school. you never understood shit. the teachers always went at a pace that was too fast for you, and you would just get frustrated and ask your friend to do your work for you.

“yall know what the fuck he just called me?” you turned back to ony and armin, hoping since this was their friend they would know what he said.

armin turned to the back to look at you.

“pretty sure he’s flirting.”

connie's smirk dropped and he sucked his teeth.

“shut up,” he muttered.

armin just grinned and leaned back in his seat, and you just scoffed, turning to ony for a real answer.

“nah we never understand him when he speaks that chico shit,” ony said, but that earned him a nice slap to the back of his head by connie.

“disrespect my language again and it's gonna be me snitching to carla about that cake,” connie said, checking his friend.

ony just laughed, knowing connie doesn't play about his native language.

“what cake?” you asked.

“nothing,” they all answered at the same time.

you knew they were lying because they mentioned something about your mom’s cake, but you didn't care to fight it. you ran out of patience earlier today, so you just rolled your eyes, for probably the thousandth time.

you sighed heavily, which seemed to trigger ony for the first time since he’s picked you up.

“alright, come on, relax. nobody is kidnapping you. your brother sent me to pick you up,” ony explained, trying to get you to just give your little attitude a break. he was already pulling out of the parking lot and heading towards the campus exit.

“yeah he sent you. not a car full of niggas.”

that was the last thing you wanted to say, so you took your phone out and started looking through your bag for your headphones.

when connie started observing you, he watched as you pulled out your headphones and connected them to your bluetooth. you played a playlist from your spotify, turned on your noise cancellation, and turned your body to face the window. he couldn't help but notice how the sun shining through made your skin glow.

you felt his gaze on you, but you didn't care. you kept watching the city go by as ony drove at a steady pace towards your house.

there were only four things that brought peace to your life:

weed

food

music

and your family.

you were never one to need very much from people, so you hate that because of your past experiences you've grown up to be this guarded around anyone that's not EJ or your mom.

connie noticed that every time he was around you, you always seemed like you wanted to be distracted from the world, as if your music provided you with an escape.

ony glanced back in the mirror and noticed connie smiling.

“why you smiling like that back there?” he asked his friend, realizing his friend was acting a bit suspicious.

connie just shrugged.

“im in a good mood.”

“you scare me when you're in a good mood,” ony said as he turned his attention back to the road.

as you looked out the window on the drive home, you noticed you were about to pass a chick-fil-a, and you haven't eaten since eren dropped you off this morning, so your stomach started growling immediately.

you sighed, taking off your headphones and unbuckling your seatbelt so you can lean in between the front two seats. you were going to ask if ony would stop to get you food and you knew it would be an immediate no if you asked with the same attitude you’ve had since you got in the car. As much as you hate to admit it, you’d have to start being nice to them if you were going to be asking for a favor.

you may have an attitude right now, but carla jaeger did not raise you to be rude to those who dont deserve it.

“and what the fuck are you doing?” ony asked, eyes remaining on the road.

“we're about to pass a chick-fil-a. can we please stop so i can get some food?” you asked. you dont play when your hungry, and right now you were suddenly craving your usual chick-fil-a order. you also were starting to feel bad for being so mean when EJ already said he talked to them about it and they weren’t still calling you his girlfriend anymore.

it was probably really just a mistake on their part. whatever… at least theyre being normal now.

connie took this as a moment to add his two cents into the conversation.

“damn you always hungry? i thought eren had yo ass on a tight schedule, we supposed to be home by now,” he asked with a laugh in his voice, knowing eren would probably be annoyed if he found out you guys didn't go straight home, on top of finding out that ony didnt go alone.

“shut up, and watch your mouth talkin about my brother. i’ll smack the shit outta you,” you said as you glared at him. you knew he was joking, but nothing is funny when youre hungry, and you definitely dont play about your brother.

armin laughed. this was the first time he had seen a girl so uninterested in connie, and all he can think is how amusing the interactions between the two of you are. he was starting to agree with you though, realizing how hungry he was too. none of the boys really ate when they were at erens place, just ate snacks that they made sure they brought.

“food doesnt sound like a bad idea though ony,” armin pitched in.

and that immediately made your face light up.

“see!!” you said as you pointed at armin, who agreed with you. you turned to him and tapped his shoulder a couple times.

“i knew i liked you white boy,” you laughed.

“my name is armin,” the blonde said in a jokingly tired tone. he knew you were messing with him though.

“alright alrighttt. mr ony sir. can you take me and armin to get food puhleaseeee” you asked as you turned to face the big man in the drivers seat.

armin, knowing it'll piss ony off, added onto your joking pleas.

“yeah mr ony man. you should take me and y/n to go get chick-fil-a. its right thereeeee”

connie was sitting in the back seat this whole time, sulking. he didn't like that you were warming up to ony and armin more than him, and not in a jealous way, but it just rubbed him the wrong way that youre smiling and joking with them, and all he got was you calling him a fatass.

it made connie think: diablo… so she can be like that with them and not with me?

he watched as your hand unconsciously rested on armin's shoulder, using it to support the position you were sitting in. it was a harmless gesture. you probably didn't even realize you had your hand on his shoulder, but connie did, and he hated it. hated how it made him feel, and he hated that it wasn't him you were laughing and joking with.

by the time connie pulled himself out of his internal pity party, ony had agreed to stop by chick fil a, and he started turning into the parking lot. you and armin were talking about what you were going to order, with ony chiming in every now and then to comment on how “big” yall are. connie was still sitting in the back quiet, but now that he had brought himself back to reality, he just hoped nobody noticed his little mood change.

ony was still in the drivers seat, but he was looking at connie through the rearview mirror.

“you know eren would kill you if you caught feelings for her right?” ony said. he didnt know if he was right, so he was going out on a limb here, but he wanted to see if his suspicions were accurate.

connie just sighed, meeting his friends gaze.

“eren’s not gonna know. and im not catching feelings. i just want to get to know her. is that a crime?” he asked as he got out of the car, closing the door before he could hear ony’s answer.

“with you it always is, springer,” he said as he got out of the car to join the rest of the group inside the restaurant.

a/n: so PLEASE (like im literally begging) let me know how you feel about this chapter. its the longest one i’ve written so i dont know how i feel about it lol so feedback and constructive criticism is very welcome ! anyways i hope you like the chapter. im posting this as 2am and im drunk as shit so please spare me <3 OKAY ILY ENJOY THE CHAPPY!!!

when you and armin got inside the line was long.

of course it’d be.

it was always long when you were actually hungry.

you shifted your weight, arms crossed as you stared up at the menu like you didn’t already know exactly what you were going to order. your stomach had been complaining since the car ride and at this point all you could think about was your chick-fil-a sandwich and large fry...

armin stood next to you, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets as he looked around the restaurant like he’d never been in one before.

“you been here before?” he asked, glancing over at you.

you turned your head slowly. “be serious. its chick-fil-a.”

he huffed out a quiet laugh. “i am serious. you look like you’ve been planning your order since we walked in the door.”

“because i have,” you said flatly. “i haven’t eaten all day.” you werent even trying to be dramatic. you had only grabbed some fruit when you stopped by the dining hall this morning so your stomach was more irritated than you were.

“that explains a lot.” he whispered to himself.

you caught that immediately. you always did.

you narrowed your eyes at him. “and what is that supposed to mean?”

“nothing,” he said quickly, holding his hands up a little. “just… you’ve been kinda-”

“watch it, white boy.” it was a bit more snappy than you intended because of you currentl hunger problem but armin could tell you didnt mean anything by it

actually he was pressing his lips together, clearly trying not to laugh. “i wasn’t gonna say anything.”

“yes the fuck you were,” you muttered, looking back up at the menu trying to hide your grin from him, so he didnt see that he made you laugh.

there was a small pause before he spoke again.

“so what were you coming from? class, i mean.”

you exhaled, moving up in line a bit. “history of dress and culture.”

“oh,” he nodded, actually interested. “so you’re a fashion major?”

“yeah. i was thinking about starting a minor in psych too, but i gotta talk to my advisor first.”

“that makes sense,” he said. “fashion and psychology kinda go together.”

you glanced at him. “how?”

“people express themselves through what they wear,” he shrugged. “it’s like… identity, perception, all that.”

you stared at him for a second

because what he was saying made sense. like its literally one of the lessons you had taken earlier today so all you could really do was blink at him.

“…you just made that up.”

he smiled. “maybe.” nudging you a bit to emphasize his joking manor.

you rolled your eyes, but there was the smallest hint of a smile tugging at your lips before you looked away again.

right as the line moved forward, the bell above the door chimed, letting in a rush of air and loud voices that didn’t belong to anyone in line.

you didn’t turn around right away.

you didn’t need to.

you knew who it was who walked in and for some reason that alone was already annoying.

“damn, this line long as hell.” the familiar voice spoke.

there it is.

you closed your eyes for half a second.

of course.

armin glanced over your shoulder and noticed his friends walking towards them. “they’re here.”

“i figured,” you muttered, turning just enough to confirm it, and yeah.

ony and connie had finally come inside, their tall frames looking extremely out of place in the family friendly establishment.

connies eyes locked onto you when he spotted you in line, almost as if he were looking for you before he even walked in.

and then he smiled…

you knew that smile. you had seen it on so many faces, all wanting the same thing.

it wasnt big, but it was slick.

almost cocky.

you rolled your eyes before he could even say anything, turning back around like you hadn’t seen him at all.

“you gon act like you don’t see me, nena?” his voice came closer.

you felt his presence creeping closer.

too close.

his frame looming behind you like he already knew you weren’t going anywhere.

but you didn’t turn because you didnt want to feed into his antics. you're not stupid, you’ve played this game before.

too many times, actually.

boys like him weren’t new to you. they came in different races, different voices, different heights, but they always moved the same. smooth at first. always trynna be funny. and way too comfortable way too fast. they’d always look at you like they already decided what you were gonna be to them.

you remember one in particular.

you’ll never speak his name again but he was the worst out of all your exs and situationships put together.

he always had something slick to say. always called you pretty like it rolled off his tongue, but it never meant anything. he used to text you good morning and disappear by the afternoon, always leaving you worried if he was safe or if he just was ghosting you. he used to swear you were “different” while treating you exactly the same as every other girl you found out about later.

it was then that you quickly learned that your brother would protect you from anything and anyone.

it also taught you that attention didn’t mean intention and compliments didn’t mean care.

so now, you don’t fold. you don’t blush. you don’t give them anything easy.

and connie?

to you, he felt like that same type of boy just in a different body.

the smirk, nicknames, and the way he talked like everything was a joke until it wasn’t.

yeah, you weren't dumb you knew exactly what type he was.

which is exactly why you didn’t turn around becasue the second you did you knew he’d turn it into a thing and you werent about to give him that satisfaction.

not that easily.

you didnt care to be another girl laughing at his jokes.

he could be your brother's flirty friend but that's all he’ll ever be...

and you're definitely not entertaining him.

which isn't what he expected.

“i see you,” you said flatly. “i’m choosing not to acknowledge you.”

armin let out a quiet laugh under his breath, you really were proving to be connie’s first challenge in life

ony stepped up beside his friend, scanning over the menu. “y’all ain’t even at the front yet?”

“use your eyes before you ask stupid questions.” you said.

“damn,” he muttered, grinning. “you always act like your brother?”

“u wanna get popped too?” you asked, knowing ony didnt forget the smack he heard you give connie when the boy with the buzzcut decided to speak on your brother.

“my fault, i take it back” he said with his hands up in mock defense. he didnt want to be the next target of your harmless attacks.

you sucked your teeth turning back to the front only to realize you were next in line to order.

you moved armin to the side when the cashier called for the next person in line, causing the blonde to laugh at your childish actions but you didnt care because there was only one thing on you mind right now.

you stepped to the counter and saw another girl about your age standing behind the register. That alone allowed you to exhale knowing you wouldn't have to be too formal when ordering your food.

”Hey miss girl welcome to chick-fil-a what can i get for you?” she asked with a polite smile on her face

”hey boo, thanks. yeah, ill have the number one with a large fry and a large sprite and can i please have some extra ketchup and chick-fil-a sauce in the bag as well if you guys are allowed to do that.” you gave her your full order barely breathing between your words.

”i gotchu, just check the screen in front of you to make sure i have everything down right for you. will that be cash or card?” this girl must be getting paid bank to be this nice to people, you could never see yourself working in customer service. especially not the food service industry.

you were about to pull out your wallet when you touched the back pocket of your jeans and paused.

it was empty.

you checked again, slower this time like it was magically gonna appear if you gave it a second chance.

still nothing.

your stomach dropped just a little and that’s when it hit you.

fuck. i left my bag in ony’s car.

you sucked your teeth quietly, already irritated because now you had to ask for help and you hated asking for help if it wasn’t from ej. asking anyone else always made you feel weird because it felt like you owed them something.

“armin,” you called, turning slightly to look at him. he was the most easy going of the three so you felt comfortable with him. not because you knew him well or anything but because he didnt make you feel like he was waiting for something in return.

he stepped up quick, like he was already halfway paying attention to you anyway. “yeah?”

and truthfully?

he was.

armin had been keeping an eye on you the whole time, but not in a weird way and definetly not like connie.

it was quieter than that.

he never had siblings growing up. cousins, yeah, but they came and went. only ever visiting for holidays so it never felt like a real family connection.

you?

you’d known him for what, an hour?

and you were already standing next to him, joking with him, dragging him into line with you like he belonged there.

he’d be lying if he said it didn’t do something to him. make his feel like the older brother he always wanted to be.

he knows he’s being dramatic. he’s fully aware.

but he used to ask his mom for a little sister when he was a kid.

so now that he’s standing here next to you, something in his brain just kind of… clicked into place.

protective. natural.

like this is what he’s supposed to do.

and he doesn’t think eren would mind.

extra protection never hurt anybody.

but back to you.

he steps in closer, attention fully on you now. “what’s up?”

you leaned in a little, lowering your voice just enough. “i left my wallet in the car. can you pay for me please? i’ll pay you back when we get back to the car.”

he didn’t even blink.

“yeah, of course,” he said, immediately. no hesitation.

like it wasn’t even a question.

no teasing. no weird energy. no making you feel like you had to explain yourself more than you already did.

just done.

you paused for a second, studying him like you expected there to be a catch.

“you sure?” you asked, a little quieter now. you weren really questioning if he coule pay or if he had the money, you were trying to see if there’d be a catch.

“i got it,” he repeated, already pulling his wallet out.

and that should’ve been the end of it.

but you couldn't help but add one last thing, “i’ll send you the money when we get back—”

that made him look at you.

not annoyed.

not mad.

just… confused.

“why would you do that?” he asked, brows pulling together a little.

you looked at him like he was stupid. “because you just paid for my food?”

“okay?” he said, giving you the same look.

you stared at him for a second.

“…armin.”

“what, i’m serious,” he cut in, shaking his head a little as he tapped his card against the reader. “it’s food. you’re hungry. it’s not a big deal.”

he tapped his card, it was approved and he stared moving to the order pick up area.

you opened your mouth like you were about to argue, but he beat you to it.

“don’t make it weird,” he added, softer this time, not in a mean way. just… firm. that threw you off more than anything else it confirmed to you that he really didn't mind paying for you.

like the idea of you paying him back made him uncomfortable.

that caught you off guard more than anything else because you were used to people keeping tabs.

it was never out of kindness, usually people would want something in return even if they never say it.

but lowkey you could tell armin wasn’t playing that game.

you were starting to feel like you had judged erens friends too quickly. ony was pretty chill and armin acted almost like a soft EJ.

“…thank you,” you said, quieter than before, starting to feel a bit bad for how you were treating them earlier. you definetly had less of an attitude and more of a genuine tone when you spoke to him which is the first time all day.

“youre good,” he shrugged, like it was nothing, but he noticed and appreciated the changed in your voice. you wondered why, or how, he made the situation so easy. it wasnt weird or tense like you were used to.

you grabbed the receipt and followed him over to the side to wait for your food, feeling like you had just gained another genuine friend.

a few feet away, connie had seen the entire thing. you didnt notice him watching though, too caught up in your conversation with armin.

he couldn’t hear what you were saying, not over the noise of the restaurant, but he didn’t need to. he saw enough.

the way you leaned into armin, like it was instinct, like you didn’t even think about it. the way armin leaned in too, matching your energy without hesitation. the whole interaction looked easy. almost natural. like it had already happened a hundred times before.

and then the part that stuck with him the most

armin pulling his wallet out.

and you letting him.

no argument, no weird shit, no back and forth. just a quiet “you sure?” and then you stepping aside like it was already decided.

connie’s tongue pressed against the inside of his cheek as he looked back up at the menu, but he wasn’t reading anything on it.

she ain’t even fight him on it.

it wasn’t about the money. he didn’t care about that. it was the way you accepted it, like armin had already earned some kind of place next to you that connie hadn’t even been given the chance to try for yet.

it's starting to seem like armin gets the easy version of you and connie didnt think that was fair.

his fingers tapped lightly against the counter while he waited to pay for his order, jaw tightening just enough for ony to notice if he was actually paying attention.

connie wasn’t mad.

not really.

but something about it sat wrong in his chest, low and unfamiliar, like a feeling he didn’t have a name for yet.

and he didn’t like that either.

by the time they brought the food out, you and armin had already slid into a booth near the window. you had sat down first noticing armin grabbing some extra sauces and exchanging a few words with connie and ony before sliding into the booth on the same side as you. you had your tray right in front of you double checking your bag to make sure they gave you everything including your sauces.

ony dropped into the seat across from you, setting his food down with a satisfied sigh, while connie slid in next to him, eyes flicking to you for half a second before he looked away like it didn’t matter. but deep down, to him, it did.

you werent worried about anything but your food. you didn’t even wait. the second your sandwich was unwrapped you took a bite and your shoulders relaxed like your body finally got what it had been asking for this whole time. your irritation could finally rest because you finally had what you had been waiting all day for…

food.

“damn,” ony said with a little laugh, watching you for a second. “you was really going through it.”

you glanced up at him, chewing, but covering your mouth so you could speak. “i told you i was hungry.”

“nah,” armin added, unwrapping his own food, “you was mean.” you scoffed at his comment. you knew, you just didnt care.

you pointed at him with a fry. “and? you aint do nothing about it,” there was a little laugh in your voice because you knew damn well that he paid so he definitely did do something about it.

he laughed with you, able to tell you're joking at this point. “i’m just saying, now it makes sense.”

connie leaned back in his seat, eyes on you now, finally speaking again.

“so what class you comin from?”

you didn’t even look at him this time. “history of dress and culture.”

“see,” armin said immediately, nudging his head lightly toward connie, “i told you.”

“told who?” you asked. you saw ony had the same look as you, already reaching for his drink.

“connie,” armin nodded. “i told him before i sat down i had asked you already.”

connie clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “so you just out here stealing my questions now?”

you swallowed, finally glancing at him. “maybe you should ask better ones.”

ony let out a loud laugh. “nah she cooking you.”

connie ignored him completely, eyes still on you.

“so you a fashion major then?” he said, leaning forward a bit.

why isnt he backing off like everyone else do when i shut them down.

you hadnt decided yet if that was annoying or… something else but regardless you groaned internally then answered, “yes.”

“and she wanna minor in psych,” armin added casually.

“oh word?” ony leaned forward too, actually looking at you now. “shii, she got beauty and brains. makes sense, carla did raise you.”

you made a face immediately. “don’t flirt with me, that’s gross.”

ony blinked, then laughed. “i wouldn’t dream of it. your brother already halfway insane and i like being alive. plus,” he added, pointing between him and armin, “we more like your older brothers anyway.”

you raised a brow. “i already have one.”

“yeah and now you got two more,” armin said, shrugging like it was obvious.

“lucky you,” ony added.

you looked between the two of them for a second, then rolled your eyes, but there wasn’t as much bite behind it this time.

ony leaned back a little, taking a sip of his drink before nodding toward you.

“nah for real though, you be outside like that or you lowkey?”

you squinted at him. “what kind of question is that?”

“a real one,” he shrugged. “like do we gotta drag you out the house or you already be outside causing problems?”

“i don’t cause problems, but yes i be outside” you said.

armin glanced at you. “how you dont cause problems but you were just threatening to hit people not even ten minutes ago.”

“and i meant it too.”

that got a laugh out of ony.

“see? she fit right in already.”

that warmed your heart a bit. your brothers friends were actually warming up to you. and its not like they were doing it because they had to. they were already friends with EJ so they had nothing else to gain from trying to hang out with you.

“anyways,” ony continued, already moving on, “why was you so mad earlier? do they not feed y’all over there or what?”

you leaned back slightly, fry still in your hand. “why do y’all keep asking these baby ass questions? i’m not five.”

“coulda fooled me, the way you been actin’,” connie said instantly.

you didn’t even hesitate this time. you reached across the table, your hand came up and popped him upside the head for the second time that day

armin choked on a laugh, turning away for a second. “nah, that’s gonna get me every time.”

ony was laughing too, shaking his head. “you really just be hitting people.”

“he keep talking,” you said simply, taking another bite like it was justified.

connie rubbed the back of his head, sucking his teeth, but there was a small smile sitting on his face now.

“you aggressive.”

“and you annoying,” you shot back.

“but you still sitting with me though.”

“nigga im sitting next to armin.”

“but you sitting across from me and you ain’t leave either.”

you paused for half a second at that, just long enough for him to notice, before you rolled your eyes and looked away saying, “boy you're trying wayyy too hard. we all sitting at the same table.” but there was no bite in your voice like there usually was and connie noticed it.

ony cut in before it could go any further, pointing at your tray. “what else you be eating? since you always complaining about snacks going missing.”

that made you narrow your eyes immediately. “first of all, i don’t complain. i state facts.”

“same thing,” armin said.

“no it’s not,” you shot back, pinching his arm. armin let out a soft ‘ow’ as he rubbed the place on his arm that was now red from your attack.

“so what snacks then?” ony pressed, grinning. “since it’s such a big issue.”

you started listing them off without even thinking about it. the words just kept coming from your mouth. “my sour patches, my hot fries, them little chocolate wafer things, the milk chocolate ones only, and don’t touch my juice either-“

you were still listing foods and snacks that you liked not noticing you were rambling. if you had noticed you wouldve stopped yourself knowing that you dont like giving people too much information about yourself to soon.

ony was nodding like he was taking mental notes just to be annoying, but connie didn’t say anything. you didnt notice that either. how it actually seemed like he was soaking up your every word

he wasn’t laughing.

wasn’t interrupting.

just watching you, eyes low, like he was actually paying attention to every single thing you said.

not in a weird way.

just… locked in.

and when your list finally came to an end, he leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the table.

“that’s a lot,” he said.

“mind your business,” you shot back.

but he just hummed, like he didn’t care about the attitude.

he already got what he needed.

“noted,” ony said, nodding.

“don’t note nothing,” you said, pointing at him. “that’s how the bullshit starts.”

armin laughed again, leaning back in his seat. “she don’t trust none of y’all.”

“for good reason,” you muttered.

“i ain’t do nothing to you,” armin said, offended that you're insinuating that he’s also not to be trusted.

“guilty by association,” you replied.

“that’s crazy.”

“life is crazy.” you said, dipping one of your fries in your sauce and eating it with a hum of satisfaction.

ony shook his head, smiling. “you funny.”

“i know.”

connie watched that exchange quietly, eyes moving between you and armin again, noticing how easy it was for you to go back and forth with him, how quick you were to respond, how your tone shifted just a little softer without you realizing it.

and he hated that he noticed.

hated that it bothered him.

because now it wasn’t just a thought in the back of his head anymore, now it was sitting right there, clear as day.

he wanted your attention.

and he didn’t have it.

not the way he really wanted.

ony looked at you again, smirking a little, but also just trying to keep the conversation alive.

“so do eren be acting like that at home too?”

you frowned, here they go talking about your brother again. “like what?”

“like he got sense,” he said.

armin snorted.

you shook your head immediately. “he acts like he has sense around yall? well i be damned never in my 21 years would i have thought that.”

that caused ony to laugh a little harder that he expected to, armin and connie too. you were really funny and they loved how well you were starting to get along with the group.

“i knew it,” ony said once he regained himself. he was pointing at you like you just proved something important.

“im serious, please don’t let him fool you,” you added, taking another bite. “he be acting like he got everything together but he’s actually annoying.”

“see?” ony leaned toward armin. “validation.”

“we been knew that,” armin said which triggered ony to start telling you about some random story with eren. it was something about a party that went left, but armin kept jumping in to correct half of it.

you found yourself actually listening this time, laughing when ony exaggerated something and armin immediately called him out for it.

“that did not happen like that,” armin said.

“yes it did.” ony tried to argue

“no it didn’t.”

“you wasn’t even there the whole time.”

“neither were you.”

“i was there long enough.”

you shook your head, smiling a little despite yourself.

“y’all are actually ridiculous. you really act just like EJ.”

“and thats exactly why we all friends,” ony pointed out.

you rolled your eyes, but you didn’t argue just deciding to finish off your sandwich and enjoy the rest of the story.

the conversation didn’t really stop.

it just eventually slowed down.

like the kind of slow that happens when everybody’s full. the fries were mostly gone, drinks were halfway melted, and nobody was in a rush to say the next thing but nobody felt awkward either.

ony was still talking, about some other story you were half listening to now, your attention drifting between him and the last few fries in your carton.

armin had leaned back beside you, one arm resting against the back of the booth, looking way too comfortable for someone who was still sitting in a public establishment.

and connie…

he wasn’t talking as much anymore.

he was just watching and listening.

he decided to pick his moments instead of forcing them and it felt more intentional.

eventually, everyone's trays started looking empty with wrappers pushed to the side.

“ight,” ony said, pushing his tray forward a little. “we should probably head out before eren beats us home.”

“yeah youre right about that.,” armin said.

“finally,” you muttered. “y’all been here long enough to pay rent.”

that got another small laugh out of all three of them.

you all started shuffling out of the booth one by one, tossing trash, grabbing respective trays.

you were about to grab your tray, but armin took it before you could fully pick it up.

“i got it.” he said taking your tray over to the trash bins

you blinked at him, following in his step. “i can throw my own stuff away.”

“i know,” he said simply, already having thrown your trash away. “i still got it.”

you watched him for a second, then shook your head a little, grabbing your drink instead. all you could think about was how similar they acted to when EJ would take you out for food.

ony was already heading toward the door, holding it open like he had somewhere to be even though he didn’t.

connie lingered just a second enough to fall into step beside you as you walked out.

the air outside hit a little cooler than before, carrying that late afternoon feeling that youre starting to love.

for a second, nobody said anything. but of course…

“you always eat like that or we just caught you on a good day?” connie asked, glancing down at you.

you looked up at him immediately, not noticing the grip on your drink tightening ever so slightly. usually you’d just make a joke which is what you shouldve done this time.

but for some reason you didnt.

“why you worried about what i eat?”

“im just asking, you aint really answer either” he was just trying to make conversation and you could tell.

you took a second before you answered, nobody had cared to genuinely ask besides your brother so you really didn't know how to answer.

“i guess it does depend on the day. I get so distracted with everything else going on that i just forget.” you didnt know how to start

connie didn't want to interrupt.

“i eat more now because I live with eren but i used to not eat like that. i had a lot going on and eating just wasn't on my mind. my past relationhips fucked me up so i never had a good relationship with food.” you paused for a second taking a breath and continuing, not even realizing that you were rambling at this point.

“eren noticed though. i got the big brother lecture of course but then he started making sure i had something in the house to eat and hes always asking if i ate and things like that,“ the words just kept coming before you could stop them.

“so… yeah i eat, because i dont want him to think everything that hes doing is for nothing… he really be trying and i dont wanna disappoint him.” there wasnt anything else for you to say but connie clearing his throat broke you out of your trance. He didnt do it on purpose or to get attention he really had just been holding in a cough and he didnt have his drink.

then it hit you…

why are you still talking… why are you telling him any of this… you dont even know him like that. and out of all people… him?

you quickly straightened up and tried to act like you didn't just trauma dump to your brothers best friend.

”anyways you asked and its not even a big deal anymore. im fine.” you said picking up your pace a bit. you decided to shut your mouth, feeling like you had said too much. because you did. wayyy too much.

”thats good though,” connie tried to comfort you. “that he can be on you like that.”

you werent really listening anymore just giving connie a half-assed. “yeah,”

”i get it and i hope you know i aint mean no harm.” he tried to clarify but you brushed him off.

”whatever connie.” you said as you finally approached the car. ony unlocked the car with a quick click, already moving toward the driver’s side.

“same seats?” he asked.

“yeah,” armin said, tossing something in the back before sliding in.

you moved toward the car, but paused for a second when you spotted your bag sitting exactly where you left it.

you reached in, grabbing it, checking for your wallet like you didn’t trust yourself anymore.

still there.

“see,” connie’s voice came from right behind you, a little too close again, “you be losing stuff.”

you turned your head slightly, not in the mood “right.”

you leaned back in your seat, staring out the window yet again, like there was something more interesting out that. there wasnt though you just didnt feel like talking anymore. upset at yourself for oversharing.

still the car ride home would be less tense and unfamiliar than earlier.

the engine started, a/c low in the background as ony pulled out.

and just like that, you were all moving again.

it was subtle, the shift. not loud, not dramatic, but it was there.

armin caught it first, his brows pulling together slightly as he glanced at you when he didnt hear you respond to something he had said. then he looked over at connie like he was trying to piece together what happened in the few minutes it took you all to walk to the car.

ony noticed right after, his eyes flicking between the two of you the same way. he knew something happened but he couldnt tell what.

the car wasn’t silent. the music was still playing low through the speakers, engine humming under it, the usual noise filling up the space. but even with all that, something about it felt off.

you stayed quiet the whole ride, answering if someone said something to you, but not really giving anything back.

and nobody really knew why.

except one person.

it wasnt long before you guys arrived. everyone grabbing their drinks from the cup holders if they had one, and started heading to the front door while ony locked his car.

you unlocked the door with your house key and were the first inside.

“i’m going upstairs,” you said, already halfway up the stairs, not really waiting for a response.

“you good?” armin called after you.

“yeah,” you said, not turning back. “just tired.”

and then you were gone.

your room door closing behind you.

all three of the boys were inside by the time you had gotten up the stairs but when you got out of earshot everything felt different.

they knew it was the same house. same living room, same a/c blowing, even the same people.

but the second you shut your door the energy shifted.

armin sat forward slightly, elbows on his knees, eyes burning into the stairs half expecting you to come back down and say you forgot something.

ony reached for the remote, but didn’t turn anything on.

connie didn’t look at the stairs at all.

but he hadn’t stopped thinking about you since the car.

annoyed with the tension, it was ony who looked at connie first.

then armin did too, both of them giving him the same look, just in different ways. ony’s was more confused. he knew something happened but he missed it.

Armin was quick with it though, already trying to put pieces together.

“what did you say?” ony asked.

connie frowned a little at that. “i didn’t say anything.”

“you definitely said something,” armin added, quieter but more serious than usual. his eyes flicked toward the direction of your room for a second before landing back on connie. “she was fine two seconds ago.”

connie sighed, walking over to the couch and ploppling himself down, dragging a hand over his face like he was trying to replay it in his head.

“…i just asked her if she always ate like that.”

ony blinked at him. “like what? man, damn, why you always gotta ask dumb shit.” he groaned.

connie hesitated for a second, like he was trying to say it the right way without making it sound worse than it was. he was also trying to be respectful of the information you had just told him even if it was an accident.

“i dont know she just… started talking,” he said finally. “like, out of nowhere.”

they both waited, not saying anything, just wanting him to get to the point.

“she said eren been on her about eating,” connie went on, glancing down for a second before looking back up. “he’s trying to make sure she don’t skip meals and shit.”

armin’s expression shifted immediately.

not confused anymore.

just… understanding.

“…oh,” he muttered under his breath.

ony let out a quiet exhale, shaking his head a little as he sat on the couch next to connie. “damn.”

for a second, nobody said anything.

connie glanced toward your room, jaw tightening just a little. “i ain’t even mean to ask it like that,” he said. “it was just a question.”

“i know,” armin replied. “she probably didn’t mean to say all that either.”

and that’s when it clicks for all of them at the same time.

this wasn’t you being weird.

this wasn’t you not liking them.

this was you slipping… and realizing it the second it happened.

ony leaned back further into his seat, upset he couldnt really be much help because now, it wasn’t just about eren.

you weren’t just his little sister anymore, you were theirs too.

the boys pov:

eventually the boys made themselves at home, still worried because you hadnt come out of your room in over an hour and a half.

jean had arrived about 30 miniutes ago noticing his friends locations had arrived back at eren’s place, wanting to continue their hangout from earlier.

him and armin were continuing their mario kart match while connie and ony smoked on the couch, still waiting for eren to get back.

connie still felt bad about what happened earlier but now he was more focused on gettingmore information about you. even if it wasnt from you

he took a sip from the cup he had sitting on the coffee table and leaned back in his seat. he played it cool, acting like he was watching the game with ony when he spoke up,

”you think she always like this?”

ony didnt look at him right away, wanting to think about his answer before he spoke. “like what?”

connie shrugged, and ony noted how he was being a bit too casual.

”attitude. you know everything from earlier today. Not including the ride home of course.” connie made sure to clarify exactly which attitude he was talking about so ony wouldnt take it the wrong way.

ony let out a small laugh, shaking his head in response.

”nah, i feel like we just caught her on a bad day.”

that got connie to glance at him. but ony continues, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“at first i thought she was one of them little sisters that be acting spoiled for no reason.” then a pause

”shes not though. I think shes just guarded…” he explained, wanting to be careful of the words he uses.

”guarded…” connie was confused, he didnt really get that from you but maybe he was so worried about his own emotions today he didnt give himself a chance to really read you.

”yeah you can tell” ony said looking back at the stairs.

“but once she got comfortable it wasnt even like that no more. she was just joking talking… regular shit you know?”

and then there was another small pause before he added, “you know shes just like eren.”

connie frowned at that comment. “how?”

ony rolled his eyes, “hard on the outside, soft as hell on the inside, just never let nobody close enough to see it.”

connie realized he didnt even pick up on any of that from you because he was so worried about trying to make a move on you.

“im bouta go make another drink you want one?” ony asked as he stood up from his seat on the couch.

”nah im chillin,” connie said, still wanting to ask armin and jean what they thought about you.

now connie wasn't the brightest. It’d only take a shot or two for him to start acting a little loose. three shots or more? yeah hes forgetting about everything he did that day. unlucky for him hes on shot 4, because he was trying to drown out the fact that he fucked up your mood today.

wanting to get out of his head he leaned forward, getting all up in a jeans bubble and personal space.

“back up” jean said, feeling connie invading his space.

“i just wanted to ask you a question conó” connie said laughing but giving his friend his space back.

”have you met her yet?”

jean blinked before looking towards the stairs, then back at connie.

”how, dumbass? shes upstairs.” jeans response was quick.

there was a pause then ony snorted as he found his spot back on the couch.

armin looked away, already knowing where this was going.

connie waved it off even quicker. “ight yeah, obviously. i was just asking. you don't gotta be hostile or whatever.”

jean didn’t feel the need to respond.

he knows connie, so he just observes.

its longer than normal this time because he wasn't really listening to connies question…

he was more focused on why it was being asked.

which jean pondered some more, trying not to just to the worst case scenario, but also trying to be realistic with what hes picking up on

connie was more focused on interrogating the person he wanted to talk to the most all day. armin.

connie was less relaxed now, wanting to really understand why armin was able to be so comfortable with you.

“what were y’all talking about in line?”

armin didn’t answer immediately but he knew connie was talking to him.

“nothing crazy.” it was a simple answer even though armin knew what connie was really asking

“you paid for her.”

ony glanced over at the accusation.

jean didn’t move, but he was listening.

armin finally looked up.

“she forgot her wallet.”

“so she just… let you?” connie asked, not aggressively, but just… stuck on the reasoning

armin’s brows pulled together slightly

“yeah?” armin was starting to think connie was a bit too drunk.

connie shook his head a little, more to himself than anyone else.

“she don’t seem like the type.”

“the type to what?” armin asked.

“take shit from people.”

there was a pause then armin leaned back, exhaling through his nose.

“its not a big deal,” he said simply. “she’s EJ little sister and he woulda had all our asses if we ate and didn't get her anything because she forgot her wallet.”

…

that answer landed.

it was quiet and the room was almost heavy.

connie nodded once.

he understood.

but he didn’t like that he understood.

“connie dont.”

it came from jean, cutting through the silence in the room besides the video game in the background.

he didnt seem like he was coming at connie and he wasnt being loud.

he just had this tone to his voice.

like a warning.

connie looked at him. “dont what? i aint even do nothing”

jean didnt back down from connies gaze, making it known that he was serious.

“yeah but youre thinking about it. dont.” the silence was stretched for a second after jean spoke.

ony was shifting in his seat and armin had put the controller down in exchange for his phone.

connie didnt reply, he just slumped back in his seat, his mood now low.

it wasnt long before eren got home. they had heard his car pull into the driveway and his keys unlocking the front door. the energy in the room remained, eren’s friends just knew he needed a minute before he got to talking to people after a long day.

eren kicked his shoes off and went to the kitchen to grab himself a water. he took a few sips while leaning on the counter in the kithen before re-entering the living room.

the first thing he asks after looking around the room is “wheres my sister? dumbass, you forgot to pick her up or something?” the question was calm, no real heat to his words.

“why i gotta be a dumbass? and yes we picked her up. she went up to her room soon as we got here.” ony, said knowing eren was referring to him.

but eren froze. there was a word that ony had said that stuck out to him.

we.

it wasnt a full pause but he hesitated for just a second too long. his brain noted the information for later and he kept it pushing… for now. nobody really picked up on it besides jean, having known eren the longest, but he didnt say anything.

eren didnt look at ony right away, just nodded like normal, deciding to brush the situation off, because he’d much rather check on his sister right now. he wasn't going to cause a scene knowing you were in the house where you’d most likely hear it. more often than not eren will choose timing over reacting and they better be grateful this is one of those times.

jean looked at ony first, then armin, they all noticed how eren had brushed ony’s explanation off. once they exchanged looks its almost like everyone noticed the beat in eren’s response. they all secretly understand something, just pissed eren off. maybe it had something to do with what was jut said or maybe ony made him remember something, regardless jean made a mental note to check on his friend later

making his was around the couch, eren dropped a bag on the table. the sound of the bag hitting the table broke whatever minor tension was growing. ony moved on instinct opening up the bag and getting straight to work, prepping all the baggies and scales they would need to separate and roll if needed. armin peeked in it to see it was full of weed.

this was routine for them bringing back the normal vibe of the group back into the atmosphere.

“damn you stocked up” jean perked up a bit seeing the haul eren had brought in.

“its about time.” connie joked, tht being the first thing he had said to eren since he got home. every now and then he would glance up the stairs when he knew nobody was looking at him

“its ours. be useful and roll up or someting. i already rolled for my sister so get what u want.” he already started his trek up the stairs by the time he finished his sentence.

the boys picked up on the protectiveness in eren’s tone. day by day they were starting to realizing that he really did take care of you. it was no joke how eren protected you. its no wonder you feel like you can be so independent, you never had to worry about anything with EJ as your older brother.

eren didn't really care for a response from them, wanting to be able to check on you for the first time since this morning since you hadn't texted him all day either. his footsteps faded up the stairs and the boys resumed what they were doing, packing weed, rolling prerolls, and hotboxing the living room while the vibe remained calm. ony pulled out his lighter, sparking his joint by the time eren was out of eyesight.

when eren mentioned that he was going upstairs connie had become quieter than usual. it wasnt obvious, he was just commenting less, and typing on his phone more. connie quickly glanced at the stairs again then the front door, before he pushed himself off the couch mid conversation.

he stretched a bit, like he had been sitting for too long before, then he grabbed his keys unannounced. He walked into the kitchen to grab a zip lock bag, before re-entering the room. he casually threw some weed in the bag and started grabbing his things. the last thing he grabbed was his keys as he walked to the door, taking one last glance at the stairs.

this time ony, armin, and jean definitely noticed.

“alright i gotta run real quick.” connie said off-handedly.

ony was confused but didnt care enough to press the matter. armin noticed and just asked,

”right now?”

connie just shrugged it off before giving a nod and heading out the door.

soon as the door closed and armin got up to lock up, there was a brief pause before jean was the first to speak up.

”hes not coming back.” he said, taking a hit from his blunt.

“yeah nah he’s bee on some weird shit all day.” armin agreed, finally addressing connies weird behavior from today. ony just nodded in agreement, listening in on the conversation, while stil scaling and packaging weed.

“you think hes planning something?” jean asked, leaning forward a bit to ash his blunt inthe ashtray on the table in the living room.

finally ony pitched into the conversation, “i mean hes connie. hes always planning something. and armin wasnt he asking you a bunch of bullshit earlier about her?” pointing the attention back to armin.

“yeah it was like he was asking a bunch of normal shit but… not really?” the blonde didnt know how to properly explain what he meant. connie was asking a bunch of normal shit but it was like the reason he was asking wasnt a normal reason.

and thats when it clicked for them.

”he like her.” jean was the one who verbalized it but armin and ony were definitely thinking the exact same thing.

ony just laughed quietly to himself, the realization allowing him to think about how utterly fucked connie would be if he continued this shit. armin just nodded not really having much to say but also not really knowing what to say.

“great. a new fucking springer problem” jean groaned, rolling his eyes and slightly throwing hismelf back on the couch. he knew this one was more serious though, which the thought of alone, made him exhausted.

the room was silent for a few minutes while the trio processed the information they just clocked. but it was the sound of all of their phones buzzing at the same time that had them all suddenly exhanging shared confused looks.

ony was the first to check, face falling when he realizes what it was. jean was already annoyed, assuming he was right in what he thought the notification was.

“here we go…” armin sighed, vocalizing everyones internal thoughts.

you were laying lazily on your bed, folded into your blankets. you had your bag tossed on your chair and your drink from earlier sitting on your desk. the cup alone kept reminding you of the emotional whirlwind that was today. you had been scrolling on instagrams for a few hours now, sending sasha a reel every now and then.

you werent tired you just didnt feel like being around anyone anymore. your room was too quiet for your liking, allowing your brain to keep replaying what you had said earlier. thats when you heard eren’s familiar knock on your bedroom door, pulling you from your thoughts. you set your phone down, getting up so you could open the door for your brother.

when he walked in he didnt say anything at first, wanting to get a feel of the mood you were sitting in. he noticed as pushed the door open slowly that you still had your clothes from earlier on. you were quiet too, but not your usual quiet, eren learned this is the quiet you get when youre mad at yourself for something. he noticed your drink on the desk and picked it up, taking a sip without asking you.

he leaned on your dresser for a bit to observe you before he plopped himself on the foot on your bed. he knew you were just waiting for him to break the silence because you’ve been quiet since you got home. you were just huddled up in a ball around your pillows and stuffed animals.

”you alive? pretty much ghosted me today.” your brother tried to break the silence with a joke. and it worked, causing you to let out a soft chuckle before it went away as quickly as it came.

“sorry today was just… a lot.” you said, sighing as you sat up to lean against your headboard.

”well start from the begining. i have a blunt and i dont know if you noticed but i restocked your mini fridge this morning when i came back from dropping you off.” he said as he flicked the lighter, lighting the blunt he had hiding behind his ear.

you knew to skip past all the meeting stuff since that was the last time you guys talked and told him about the rest of your day.

it was simple:

walked with sasha for a bit.

exchanged socials.

and then class, class, and more class.

but it was there where you paused for a second. every second you had spent after class was the opposite of simple.

eren noticed and asked, “how was it?” you knew he was refering to your pick up.

”it was calm. i gave them a hard time at first but i cam around after a while.” within your brief explanation eren had peeped another important word.

they.

he wasnt gonna bring it up though because he knew you’d tell him, just like you tell him everything.

”ony aint do nothing stupid, right?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation light hearted because he knew you needed support right now, way more than he needed answers.

“nah he was chill for the most part but he brought a few of your other friends too though. I thought you set me up, im not gonna lie.” you joked, your brother laughing along with you. as the laughter died down he spoke again.

“nah i’d never do that. it was supposed to be only ony. but ill talk to them later about that. they treat you right? took you to eat or anything?” he wanted to gauge how the day went before he jumped the gun and cussed his friends out.

“i was annoyed that you didnt come but they did actually. even though i was mostly giving them attitude at first. we passed a chick-fil-a and i asked ony if we could stop and get some food.”

”and did he?” he asked, noticing you were being a bit reserved but knowing it was because of something that you hadnt brought up yet.

“yeah, he agreed after me and armin started irritating the shit out of him about it.” you said with a small laugh in your voice as you thought back to earlier that day. “i really thought i wasnt gonna like them but they actually werent that bad. armin especially,”

that made eren perk up a bit, “oh yeah? what he do?” he asked, even though it makes sense armin was who you got along with the easiest because hes not a fucking idiot like the others.

”i forgot my wallet in ony’s car so he paid for my food.” you said, absentmindedly reaching for your drink sitting on your desk. you shake the cup though and realize its empty, not even any ice. you looked at your brother and threw the empty cup at him, to which he dodged and laughed at your reaction.

he stood up from your bed for a second and walked to your mini fridge grabbing you a new drink that he had restocked eariler. he tossed it to you wordlessly and you caught it as he flopped back on the bed letting out a sigh.

he turned to look at you “…yeah that sound like armin. he good people. even mom said so.”

you were confused how your mom met your brothers friends before you did but you figured you’d ask later.

you nodded a bit giving him the rundown of how the rest of yall lunch stop went when you started getting to the trip back to the car. your body language shifted a bit, seeming more uncomfortable in your position that you were merely seconds ago.

“it was fine until we left, but then connie started asking me a bunch of questions.” you were starting to open up about what really went wrong that day so eren took that as his queue to keep silent and let you say your piece.

“i mean he was asking me questions all day and i didnt really pay him no mind before but i dont know…” you paused taking a second to take a sip of your drink.

“he aint even ask nothing crazy it just had me thinking… and then i said too much.” you were looking down at your hands as you talked, not ready to make eye contact with your brother.

eren, though, had heard exactly what he need to.

he already told connie to stay away from you so the fact that he went with them to pick you up boils erens blood.

but right now you were his focus, so he moved closer to you on the bed grabbing one of your pillows and placing it in his lap so you could rest your head there. this was something you and eren had done since you were kids so it was never weird for the two of you.

you leaned down, resting your head on the pillow and sighed.

“you know you good.” he said. he wasnt a question because he didnt like when you doubted yourself so he wouldnt even give you that option.

“all that shit from before? its done. aint nobody playing with you like that again.” it always made you feel are hearing your brother say that because you knew he genuinely meant it.

“i see you trying, y/n. dont think i dont. you eting, showing up, all that shit matters.” he let the silence linger, knowing you were just taking in his words.

”you not disappointing me. ever.” he heard your soft sniffles but kept talking.

“you already did what i needed you to do. i mean you still here right?” thats what got you. erens words were always held at an extremely high standard to you because hes never on to say something he doesnt mean, family friend or stranger. he had been like that his whole life but that could also be why you valued his support so much.

”and now you got more eyes on you too. them niggas? they annoying as shit but just as solid. you not out here by yourself no more. you got us.” eren hated that you felt so alone when you moved here.

when eren used to visit home back in college, he would always noticed how different you acted. you werent his usual annoying little sister. you were reserved, quiet, and almost always in your room.

he was so happy now that your personality had returned. now that you had returned. if there was one thing eren couldnt live without in this world it was his family. his mom and sister will always mean the world to him and he will always have respect for his father so if there was anything that he could do to prevent anything bad from happening to the he’d do it.

wanting to clear both his and your head from the consuming thoughts eren decided to change the topic. “you trynna smoke again or you just gon sit there and be sad? I got another one.”

that got a laugh to break through the remaining tears on your face. you just nodded, going to use your sleeves to wipe off your face before eren smacked your hand away and reached to grab the tissue box on your desk.

“dont be fucking gross. you have tissues right here.” he said, knocking you in the head with the hollow box before placing it in front of you. you flinched from the impact and then immediately sat up and stared at your brother with a blank face. you smacked the shit out of his shoulder before wordlessly taking a few tissues to clean your tears.

eren sparked while you got up to throw your trash away, passing you the blunt when you sat back on the bed. the silence this time wasn't heavy. it was the peaceful kind of quiet they were used to . you smoked the blunt just being in each other's presence as the conversation had officially died down.

it was just a few minutes later and you were still in your head a bit but you were way calmer than you were before. you and eren had finished the second blunt and now you guys were just co-existing, doomscrolling on your phones when eren remembers something.

”alright ima head to my room kid, i gotta go text jean anyways about some business shit,” knowing damn well he wasnt texting jean about no business but connies. he stood from the bed and walked over to the door, turning back to throw you one last look, making sure youre okay.

”you gotta stop calling me kid. i am a college woman!!!.” you called after your brother as he closed the door, not listening to a word yours saying right now because you will in fact be called a kid until the day he dies.

finally alone again you flopped back on your bed, soaking in the change in environment. you loved talking to your brother because he wouldn't try to fix your problems, he would just help ground you so you could give yourself a second to breathe.

now that he had left your mind was trying to start back up but thats when your phone buzzed. you ignored it for now, just wanting to take a second to be present in the moment.

but of course that moment was ruined by your phone buzzing again.

you groaned, rolling over to grab your phone and check why it kept buzzing. the first notification you see if a reel send by sasha which has you rolling your eyes, but the second notification was weird.

It was a text from an unknown number. which is weird because you didn't give your number to anyone and you know eren only gave ony your number to pick you up and you had saved his number when you got home earlier so it couldn't be him.

who the fuck…?

you just stared at the text like you were supposed to recognize it… but you didnt. your irritation had gone, just leaving confusion. your number one rule was that you didnt give your number out willy nilly like that so this isnt making sense.

reading text over and over like it would change anything was driving you insane.

’did you ever get those snacks back?’

it was so random. what the fuck were they talking about? what snacks? you almost locked your phone, not wanting to entertain this weird shit but unfortunately curisouty has been your downfalll more times than not. you knew this was stupid but you opened your text chat and started typing.

that gave you major chills. this is literally some serial killer shit. you re-read the text over and over and then your eyes darted towards the balcony before you could even realize you were doing it .

your curtains had been closed all day due to your mood and this text is making you feel like you wanted to keep them closed for real.

but something made you want to look…

you stared at the curtains for a few more seconds before sighing heavily. you pushed yourself off your bed for the millionth time today, taking slow steps towards your balcony doors. now you had to know, bracing yourself for some weird shit.

pushing the curtains open and stepping out one of the doors you look around for a second, not seeing anyone or anything when you finally look at what sitting right in front of you.

looking down at your balcony table, you saw a large gift basket. confusion struck you way harder than last time. you looked at the contents, trying to take everything in. it was filled to the brim with your favorite snacks and drinks galore, a few pre-rolled blunts plus a small bag of weed and some rolling papers, and there was even a lighter.

but then you saw the note. you hesitated for a second, almost not wanting to read it but you grabbed it anyways. you flipped it open, immediately judging the persons handwriting before moving on to actually read the note.

‘i’m not the type of guy you think i am. i’m sorry about today and i’m sorry about eating your snacks princessa.’ - con

you re-read the card before noticing the name at the bottom. your brain didnt catch up right away because so much was happening all at once.

con…?

you went through all the people you knew, not being able to recall an ex or a friend with that nickname so you paused for a second to give yourself time to think.

and then it smacked you like a fucking freight train.

connie.

like eren’s best friend connie…

and thats when everything really clicked…

you SHOULD be annoyed. irritated, even. you shoud be trying to shut all of this down but then you started thinking about the way he was quiet when you were listing your favorite snacks. the way he seemed like he was asking too many questions. the way you didnt clock anything until now.

you had heard of connie before from eren’s stories but meeting him in person was a completely different ball game.

first of all, this is weird. how did he get up here in he first place? and how did neither you nor eren hear him doing any of this?

eren…

you knew you shouldve gone to tell your brother about his friends actions but you werent going to.

and thats when you started to realize something.

why do i… not hate this?

maybe you were being selfish. or maybe you just didnt feel like sharing this, and you werent talking about the snacks.

you wanted something that was yours and yours only

and it came with my favirote snacks and free weed? yeah im not about to complain.

it was as you were grabbing the basket to bring it inside and text sasha about it when you looked over the edge of your balcony.

you didnt see anyone standing there and no cars but eren’s in the driveway. it would be impossible for him to have gone through the house to put this there because you were in your room the ehole time you were home.

then you looked over at the large tree in your yard.

theres no fucking way. did he climb the tree for this??

you paused for a second, processing.

“that was… stupid.” you said, verbalizing your thoughts as you moved back into your room with your new present. you set it on top of your minifridge, grabbing the bag of sour patch kids and a blunt before sitting back on your bed already pulling up instagram to text sasha about this.

a/n: im posting this at 1:20 am, not proofread, ipad on 3%, and tired as SHIT so please spare me. i maybe will come back to editing this later. it aint happening now tho sorry love you. again comments and reposts are so welcome!