Curate, connect, and discover
(n.) A homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past.
Fic Type: Oneshot
Fandom: Attack on Titan
Pairing: Mike x Reader
Prompt: N/A
Word Count: 852
You sat outside alone. With your mud-ridden boots close to your chest, as you held them against you for some sort of comfort. The green cloak which was supposed to bring you comfort, instead make you shiver due to being soaked by the ongoing thunderstorm. You hardly could believe it. Your best friend was gone and you felt alone. Silently wishing that no one could dare to come outside, you started listening to the thunder rumbling the ground. It was sort of a soothing feelings that kept you grounded. Glancing at the woven bracelet that you and Petra made together, a sad smile made it’s way to your face remembering that you’ve never took it off since you two were training cadets. Although you were in separate squads, you missed her terribly. Even more now than every. She was like a sister you never had. ‘It was too soon.’ You whispered to yourself and let your head rest against your knees.
Unbeknownst to you, your squad leader Mike, was keeping an eye on you. He was aware of your close friendship with Petra. During his time observing you, a heavy feeling was strong in his chest. “She’s going to catch a cold...” The other members glanced up at their leader suddenly breaking the silence and then exiting outside.
The front door of your temporary cabin opening was enough to make you try to make yourself smaller by pressing your legs closer to you. However it’s physically impossible to, since you were already as close as you can be. Footsteps in the sludge moved closer to your location before stopping. Not wanting to raise your head to look at who it was, you closed your eyes. Instead of speaking, the person draped a jacket over you, to shield you from the rain. It was warm and larger in size compared to your teammates. You felt your stomach sink realizing that the probability of Mike being next to you was certain. He took a seat next to you, looking out to the horizon. “How are you holding up?” He questioned. You stayed silent, but you sat up. Tears trailed down your face. It was usually to hide anything from him. He knew regardless. At first his ability was terrifying, but you got used to it after awhile. He stood up and placed his hand on your head. The gesture made you look up at him. “C’mon on.” He took your hands and helped you onto your feet. “The path ahead will be rough.” He started, running his thumbs over your knuckles. “But we’re here for you. I’m here for you.” You gave him a small smile and he embraced you.
You returned inside with Mike by yourself. “I should probably shower.” Excusing yourself from the group, you retreat to your short-term dorm to grab your civilian clothes from your rug-sack. Continuing to the bathroom, you closed the door behind you and undressed. Proceeding to the shower stall, you set the temperature to warm. Not too hot or cold. Everything seemed bleak to you. Everything but Mike’s jacket. It made you feel some sort of way. As well as his embrace did. You shook the thought out of your head. ‘No...I’m just grieving.’ You convinced yourself that your feelings towards Mike were appreciative of him being there, not anything else. Once finished, you skipped dinner and decided to sleep early.
Promptly sitting up, you tore the covers off of you. You weren’t certain how long you were asleep for or what time it was, just that it was late. You let out a sigh and plop back down onto your bed. You outstretched your arm in-front of you, as you were in your dream. Trying to reach for her. You forced down the lump in your throat and sat up. Maybe a drink will help you settle down. Opening your door and stepping you, you bumped into a figure. “I’m sorry (Y/N).” You gazed up and was met with Mike’s gray eyes. “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” You replied. “I was actually coming to check up on you.” His response took you off guard. “Oh...thank you.” The two of you stood in silence for a few more minutes. He looked like he was debating on saying something or not. “Do...you need company?” Your face slightly heated up at his words. It felt weird accepting but it wasn’t like you two were going to sleep together. And you weren’t in the best of mind to be alone right now. “I’d like that.” You gave him bittersweet smile.
Forgetting about the drink, you led Mike into your room, sitting on the bed. The night passed on with you and Mike occasionally exchanging small talk, until you fell asleep. He glanced up to see you sleeping soundly. However, your features still seemed somber. He reached up and grabbed a hold of your hand, repeating his motion from either. It appeared to soothe you, as you looked more peaceful. He fell asleep not too long afterwards, sitting on the floor against your bed frame, holding your hand.