Breathless

Faint golden light filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft, warm hues across the room. It spills over her delicate features, illuminating her half-lidded eyes-lively, full of warmth, love, and something more.

Her fingertips trace slow, tender circles against his cheek, her touch featherlight, as if savoring the heat of his skin. His cheeks are flushed, a faint red from the night before, and she smiles as she watches him.

He leans in, pressing his lips fully against hers, deep and lingering, his bare skin brushing against hers. He's warm-comforting in a way that makes her melt into him.

As he pulls back, he rests his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the quiet morning air. The corners of his lips curl into a small, genuine smile, one she hasn't seen in what feels like forever.

"My Ereh... You were amazing tonight..." she whispers, tilting her head slightly, her expression soft but radiant. And to him, she's breathtaking-someone worth dying for.

"You were always amazing my Mika..."

Then, a mischievous glint flashes in her eyes, her hand slowly trailing down his chest, fingers brushing against his abs before moving lower.

His muscles twitch under her touch, his body flinching ever so slightly, but he doesn't stop her. Instead, he leans in, pressing a playful kiss to the tip of her nose.

"Ereh... you're not feeling weak or exhausted or anything?" she murmurs, concern flickering in her voice.

He shakes his head, reassuring her with a lazy smirk. "No... But... I feel much more energetic."

She studies him for a moment before nodding, exhaling in relief. "Maybe... Maybe the Curse of Ymir was nothing but a rumor."

His expression falters slightly, his brows knitting together in thought before he nods. "Yeah... I hope so." He doesn't want to give her false hope but just for now he doesn't want to bring up that topic again.

A surge of energy rushes through her at the thought, and she suddenly presses a trail of featherlight kisses down his collarbone, across his chest. The warmth of her lips sends shivers through him.

"I didn't think you'd have enough stamina to last all night, Ereh," she teases, her voice sultry yet amused.

His eyes flicker with amusement before he lets out a scoff, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Heyyyy.... I always last all night."

She giggles, her arms wrapping around him once more, her heart swelling as he pulls her close. The sun continues to rise, the world outside slowly awakening -but inside, in the quiet warmth of their bed, time belongs only to them.

"I love you so, so much... My darling." Her voice is barely above a whisper, and he rests his forehead against her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin.

She tightens her embrace, pressing herself closer, as if afraid he might slip away. "Me too…" he murmurs, his voice laced with quiet devotion.

A shuddered exhale escapes his lips as he tilts his face, his breath fanning against the curve of her bare neck. "I wish… I wish I had realized it the day I met you," he confesses, his voice thick with regret.

"I would've done anything—everything—for you. Given up my dreams, my ambitions, my ego… I wouldn't have cared. I would've lived just for you, with you, away from everything else… Titans, Walls, Marley... Whatever... Because my world would be right here with me. In my arms."

A single tear slips from the corner of her eye, shimmering in the faint morning light, but she doesn't let it fall. Instead, she nods, swallowing the ache in her throat. "Don't say that..."

She pulls back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. Their eyes lock, holding each other in a moment so fragile, so intimate, it feels like time has stilled just for them. Neither of them speaks—words aren't needed.

Instead, he simply scoots closer, closing the distance between them. His hands settle firmly on either side of her waist, grounding himself in the warmth of her body.

She smiles softly, brushing her fingers through his hair, as if memorizing every strand, every detail of the man she loves.

She exhales shakily as his fingers pressing lightly, not out of desire but as if he needs to confirm she's real—that this isn't just another fleeting dream he'll wake up from.

Her fingers trail through his hair, slow and deliberate, brushing against his scalp in a way that makes him shudder. "Eren... Always keep holding me like this... Never let me go honey..." And she pulls him in.

And his hands loop around her body pulling her even closer, his breath warm against her neck. "Mikasa... I'll never need to hold anyone but you... Because no one could ever fit in my arms as perfectly as you do..." And she smiles because he's such a sweet heart.

"Kiss..."

A mischievous voice pipes up from the far end of the bed, and Eren and Mikasa turn their heads to find Erika smirking, peeking over the blankets. Behind her, Rin and Sae giggle, their tiny shoulders shaking as they try—and fail—to suppress their laughter.

This time, neither Eren nor Mikasa flinch in embarrassment. Instead, they exchange amused glances before Eren chuckles, his deep voice warm with affection. Mikasa smiles, shaking her head at their little spies.

"Come here, you four roaches..." Eren beckons, and the children scramble forward with wide grins, clambering onto the bed and nestling between their parents.

Eren wraps his arms around them, pressing soft kisses into their hair. Their giggles fill the room like morning sunshine, bright and full of warmth. Mikasa does the same, cradling Rin as she plants a kiss on his forehead.

"So," she hums, raising a brow. "How long were you spying on us?"

"Just a little while..." Erika pouts, clinging possessively to Eren's arm. Her expression is comically jealous as she buries her face against him.

Mikasa narrows her eyes playfully. "Heh? Are you trying to steal my husband from me?"

Eren chuckles Erika climbs on his lap, smirking down at Mikasa.

"Papa is all mine!" she declares. "Right, Papa?"

Eren laughs, ruffling Sae's messy hair with one hand while squeezing Erika's cheek with the other. "Of course, princess. Papa belongs to all of you."

His warm eyes shift at the little Faya laying on the bed sleeping comfortably and a wave of adoration wash over him as he rubs her forehead planting a kiss at her small cheek.

"Ereh..." And he lifts his gaze just to see Mikasa extending her hand cupping his cheek, before leaning in pressing her lips against his. He blinks confusion before closing his eyes. The kids look at Eren and then at Mikasa and then back at Eren.

She pulls back with a smile. "Thank you... For all these beautiful children..." And his emerald eyes shine with emotions, lips curving in a smile. He pulls her back this time initiating the kiss. And she breaths heavily against his mouth.

The children groan. "Ewww, kissing again!"

Laughter bursts from the two parents as their mischievous little spies giggle, the room filled with warmth, love, and the quiet bliss of a family that belongs to each other.

"Now, who's hungry?" Mikasa announces with a bright smile.

Three little hands shoot up enthusiastically, their excitement making Eren chuckle softly. He leans back, watching his family with quiet adoration, his heart swelling with warmth.

Mikasa slides out of bed, stretching slightly before slipping into her usual clothes—a crisp white shirt tucked into a long skirt, her soft pink sweater draped over her shoulders.

She looks effortlessly beautiful, and for a moment, Eren just watches her, memorizing the way the morning light catches in her hair.

Then, he exhales—a deep, satisfied sigh.

For the first time in a long while, he feels at peace. Like he's fulfilled everything he was meant to be. As a husband. As a father.

Mikasa leaves the room, heading toward the kitchen, and Eren finally moves. He pulls on his shirt before tossing aside the blanket, rising to his feet with a stretch.

The four little ones scramble after him, giggling as they follow their father out the door, their tiny feet padding against the wooden floor.

And for the first time in years, the morning feels… whole.

"Ugh... Nooo..." Mikasa mutters, scratching the back of her neck in frustration as she grips a small bundle of firewood in her hands.

Before she can dwell on it too long, strong arms snake around her waist, pulling her back into a firm, familiar embrace. Eren's chin rests against her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin as he presses a soft kiss to her cheek.

"What's wrong? Something bothering you?" he murmurs, his voice laced with lazy affection.

She tilts her head slightly, her palm brushing against his cheek before pressing a lingering kiss on the other.

"Yeah… We ran out of firewood. I forgot to cut some."

His grip instinctively tightens around her abdomen, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. That was his job, not hers.

"Oh… Sorry, Mika. I'll go cut some right now—"

But before he can even step away, she turns in his arms, placing a firm hand on his chest.

"No way. You stay. You haven't fully recovered."

He huffs in protest, but she silences him with another kiss—warm, slow, and disarming. He exhales softly against her lips, his resistance crumbling, yet he insists when she pulls back.

"The kids are hungry," he reminds him, voice gentle yet firm. "You start chopping the onions. I'll be right back. And don't worry about my health… I'm feeling much better."

She looks at him, searching for any sign of hesitation, but his expression remains steady—calm and reassuring.

"But… Ereh, I'm worried," she admits quietly.

His smile is warm, a silent promise.

"Okay then, let's all go togeth—"

Before he can finish, Erika's wail pierces the moment.

"Mama! Papa! Hungry!"

Mikasa glances down at their daughter, who clings to her leg with a dramatic pout, and sighs. And she looks back at Eren with a frown.

Eren chuckles.

"Alright, alright. I'll be quick," he promises.

Mikasa nods and watches him go, still worried—but knowing, deep down, that he always keeps his word.

Eren clutches the axe in one hand, the basket in the other, before stepping outside. The air is crisp, and his boots sink slightly into the grass.

A small smile tugs at his lips as the wind brushes against him. It's been a while since he last stepped outside. The cold air feels fresh against his skin as he moves forward eyes shifting from the distant lake and then to the forest. The world around him is serene and still—until the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly breaks the silence.

His ears twitch, instincts kicking in as he turns back—only to see Mikasa rushing straight toward him.

Before he can react, she throws herself into his arms.

The axe and basket slip from his grasp, landing with a dull thud on the frozen ground as her body collides with his. And then—her lips.

Warm, soft, slightly, chapped from the cold, yet overwhelmingly sweet. They crash against his, her arms tightening around his neck as if afraid he'll disappear if she lets go. Her heavy, warm breaths fan against his face, mingling with his own in the frigid air.

For a moment, he's taken aback. He doesn't understand what brought this on—but he doesn't ask. He already knows, she's worried about him.

So instead, he simply melts into her, his arms wrapping firmly around her waist, pulling her in closer, pressing harder against her lips, because she's warm and extremely soft. Her movements are instinctual, synchronized—because this is where they belongs.

She tilts her head slightly, deepening the kiss, and then—a sharp tug at his lower lip.

A quiet "Mmm…" slips from her throat as she bites down, teasing, demanding.

He lets her.

Eren feels a gentle tug at his pants, but he doesn't want to pull away. Her frosted lips feel too good against his. Even though they've kissed more times than he can count, each one feels like the first. Like something precious.

But then Mikasa finally lets go, and both of them remain in a daze, half-lidded eyes hazy with warmth despite the cold air.

Eren blinks, breath still uneven, and looks down—only to find Erika staring up at him, wide-eyed, her mouth hanging open as if she had just witnessed the single greatest betrayal in human history.

Little Faya being cradled by Erika blinks at Eren, as if she, too, is processing what she just saw.

A chuckle escapes Eren's lips. He crouches down, ruffling Erika's dark locks, pressing a light kiss to the girls' foreheads.

Beside him, the twins giggle, their small faces glowing with amusement. Eren pulls them in, kissing their foreheads too, the warmth of family grounding him.

When he looks back up, Mikasa's face is a deep shade of red.

"Ereh… be quick, okay?" she murmurs, shifting on her feet, the remnants of their kiss still lingering in her breath.

He nods, but instead of letting her go, he pulls her into another embrace, his arms wrapping tightly around her.

"You worry too much about me, that's all," he whispers against her ear.

Her fingers clutch onto the back of his shirt, holding him just as tightly. "That's because I love you."

Eren exhales softly against her neck before pressing a lingering kiss to her skin.

"I've always loved you…"

When he finally pulls back, his gaze lands on the thing where it all began—her crimson scarf, snugly wrapped around her neck.

A soft smile tugs at his lips. A wave of nostalgia washes over him, memories flickering like candlelight. His hands instinctively move, gently adjusting the fabric, wrapping it snugly so the warmth seeps into her.

"Alright, now… Go back inside, or else you'll catch a cold."

The children nod enthusiastically, their small boots imprinting the muddy ground underneath.

Eren stands there for a moment, watching them go, his heart full. Then, with one last glance at Mikasa, he picks up the axe and the basket, stepping forward into the winter's embrace.