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vermillion-san · 10 months

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elevate || chapter I

Pairing: Various x GN!Reader (Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin)

Word Count: 4.4K+ words

Synopsis: When (Y/n) (L/n) struggles to adjust into a prep school and the expectations of their stoic guardian, they find themselves graffitiing an abandoned subway; where their life would alternate into the exact opposite of what it initially was.

HEAVILY INSPIRED BY THE 2018 FILM: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

Whenever morning comes, (Y/n) focuses on clearing their head; especially on a school day. Whether they were at their home or the dormitory of their new private school, they sought to distract themself from the responsibilities by doodling in their sketch book. And listening to music in the background was what put the cherry on top.

But oftentimes, the distraction does become an interference on their sense of time. As told by their guardians. “(Y/n)!” It took a good minute for the sixteen year-old to hear them, the AirPods that they were wearing to hear the music blocking their communication with the outside world (for as long as it could).

Realizing that they had to go to their school and settle themselves in the dormitory (a typical Monday), (Y/n) quickly gathers their art supplies, on the desk that they were leaning their sketch book on. “Crap..!” They then remember that they hadn’t even packed their luggage.

“(Y/n)! You should’ve left the house five minutes ago! Are you even ready?!”

(Y/n) slams open the empty luggage and shoves in a handful of clothes that they found, from each cabinet drawer that was apart of their dresser. “Of course! I’m on my way down!” They shove in all of the textbooks and notebooks -- that were left on their bed -- into their book bag, forcing it to fit in one ago. While doing so, they held their sketchbook by the spine, in between their teeth; they had intended to bring along the unfinished sketches that they were working on, since they wouldn’t come back to the house until the end of the week.

After packing both their luggage and book bag, (Y/n) dresses into their school uniform, tying the last knot of their tie before dragging along the two items with them, out of the bedroom and into the living room that was right next to it. “Where’s my laptop?” They begin to fulfill a scavenger hunt for the device, looking through the book shelf that was on their left, then the cushions of the couch that was across from it.

“If you want me to drive you, we gotta go now.” Their guardian, who goes by the name Levi Ackerman, hurries them.

“No, thanks.” (Y/n) rejects the offer, as kindly as they could. “I can walk there myself.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” (Y/n) finds their laptop underneath a cushion and immediately take it out, pushing it into their book bag, despite it being overwhelming packed.

“Then you better go now!” Levi persists.

“In a minute!” (Y/n) now goes to the kitchen, wanting a serving of the oatmeal that was cooking on the stove. In the process, they nearly bump into their secondary guardian, Hange Zoe, who was about to take their leave while drinking black tea.

“Careful, (Y/n).” Hange couldn’t help but to aways find it amusing when (Y/n) had done their preparations last minute. They weren’t blind to read off the body language of the teenager that they had raised since they were an infant.

(Y/n) snatches a paper bowl from the kitchen cabinet, hurriedly serving themselves a good amount of oatmeal. When they were trying to find a plastic spoon, Levi addresses them in a more stern voice. “(Y/n)!”

“I’m already heading out!” (Y/n) rolls their eyes, locating the plastic spoon as they say this.

“That’s it.” Levi grabs them by the loop of their book bag, from behind. “I’m taking you there. You won’t get to the campus on time.” He begins to drag them to the main entrance of the apartment. “Let’s go.”

“Wait!” (Y/n) struggles to free themselves from their guardian’s grip, close to spilling the bowl of oatmeal that was nearly burning their hands. “I didn’t get napkins! I need napkins!”

Minutes later, you would find the family of three outside the apartment complex, saying their farewells. While Levi was putting (Y/n)’s luggage inside the car, Hange was smothering the high-schooler in kisses that plaster ever corner of their face.

“Hange, stop...!” (Y/n) always found it embarrassing whenever Hange had done so in public.

“In a minute!” Hange ironically repeats (Y/n)’s own words, continuing to take advantage of them by portraying a series of affection; until eventually, they had allowed (Y/n) to head their merry way. “Call me once you get there! I’ll see you on Friday!”

“Yeah!” (Y/n) waves a farewell to them. “See you on Friday! Bye Hange!” They look over at where Levi’s car resided, their happy expression falling when they realize that it was his cop car. “Seriously...?” Driving around in the vehicle never brought pleasant experience, especially at school. “We have to take the cop car?”

“The family car’s being repaired.” Levi, dressed in his work uniform, opens the door of the driver’s seat. “Get in, you’re already behind schedule.” He earns a groan of frustration from (Y/n), but thinks nothing of it.

Despite the fact that they were already in the car, (Y/n) complained about his persistence on dropping them off; a habit that he always had since they started going to a new school, much farther than where their previous one was. “It would’ve been fine if I just walked there.”

Levi retorts with the actual reason at hand. “And what? Let you put up more of those graffiti stickers?” (Y/n) stiffens at the sudden confrontation. “It’s insanely obvious. Your art style says it all.”

(Y/n) attempts to laugh it off. “You sure you got the right criminal? Because, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve been taught to respect public property; and by who? None other than you and Hange.”

“Don’t patronize me.” Levi looks at them from the corner of their eye, since they’ve decided to sit at the backseat. “You’re peeling off all those stickers on Saturday, do you understand me? I better not see another one around this neighborhood.”

“Yeah, yeah...” (Y/n) sinks into the cushion of the leather seat, arms crossed over their chest. Their eyes wander out to the window next to them, the car driving by a big TV screen that was implemented at a subway station’s exterior railings. The news channel was playing for the civilians that were stopping by, each of them enraptured by the news of the city’s notorious hero: Spider-Man.

Levi hears the voice of the news reporter, thanks to the windows being rolled down prior. The second that the vigilante is mentioned, he talks sourly about him. “Honestly...the guy only zig-zags into the city, once a day, and zip-zap-zoops the bad guy with a bunch of sticky webs; in his little mask, and answers to no one, right?”

“Yeah, Levi.” (Y/n) never spared much thought about the hero, only when they were told about the accomplishments that the had made in his career by their friends (back at their old school). But unlike Levi, they had respected the sacrifices that he had made to protect the city, based on what they do learn about those accomplishments and fights. They can’t picture themself doing the same, had they been in the vigilante’s situation.

“And meanwhile my guys are out there, constantly, lives on the line, without masks.” Levi emphasizes, off in his same rants about the vigilante. “You know ridiculous the entire concept is? Relying on some person that supposedly has superhuman abilities? The thought of it is absurd.” (Y/n) rolls their eyes the second time that day, unimpressed by the same rhetorical questions that he was using.

It wasn’t until Levi pulled up to the front of the school, (Y/n) had asked him. “Why can’t I go back to my old school? Where I actually have friends?”

Levi sighs. “We’ve already had this conversation, (Y/n). It’s already been a month, and I’m over it with the sulking, in all honesty--”

“I just don’t like coming here, okay?” (Y/n) is as honest as possible. “It’s too elite. I should be at a normal school, where I’m far more comfortable at.”

“It’s call adapting, (Y/n).” Levi looks directly at (Y/n) when he says this. “Whether or not the social environment is underwhelming or overwhelming doesn’t matter. It’s about being prepared for the real world. And this school offers that.”

(Y/n) thinks otherwise. “I’m only here because I won that stupid lottery.”

And Levi insists that what they were saying was true. “No. You passed the entry test, just like everyone else. You have to understand that this is an opportunity; there are people out there that would literally kill to be in your place.” (Y/n) simply looks the other way, their pout never faltering. “You honestly want to ruin that? You want end up like your uncle?”

“What’s wrong with Uncle Kenny?” (Y/n) says lowly, not having the heart to look at Levi in the eyes. “He’s not that bad a guy.”

Levi hesitates. “He made his choice. And, in life, we each make our choices--”

That’s when (Y/n) is encouraged to raise their voice. “Well it doesn’t feel like I have a choice!”

“You don’t!” The confirmation creates an awkward silence between Levi and (Y/n), each of them avoiding eye contact from one another. It lasts for several seconds. Levi was the one to break it by rephrasing his words. “You deserve better than what me and Hange have. I’ve always made that as my top priority. Since the day your parents..” He pauses. “Since we...” He changes his choice of words at the last minute. “--...first got you.”

(Y/n) can understand where Levi was coming from, but frustration still resided within them; they hate how their life had altered, how different they became because of it. -- From an extroverted and ambitious student, to a insecure and secluded student that struggle to make their mark in an extremely environment. Of course, they were too prideful to admit that to Levi himself, confident that he would just tell them to pull through.

“Yeah, okay...” (Y/n) opens the door and exits out of the police car, before retrieving their luggage from the passenger seat. They share eye contact with Levi again, in which enables their guardian to say their farewell.

“I’m not doing this to bully you.” Levi says bluntly. “I’m doing it because I believe it’s what best for you.”

“Yeah, I know.” (Y/n) has heard the phrase before, not even the slightest bit impressed. “I’ll see you on Friday. Bye.” They close the door on Levi, turning their back to him so that they can walk to the school’s main entrance. They don’t even notice that Levi was portraying a sense of empathy for them; to (Y/n), he had always come across as a stoic man that showed little to no remorse for other people’s feelings, them included.

As (Y/n) had anticipated, the classes were overwhelming, no different from the first day that they had transferred into the school. They were running to each class, the piles of books and papers growing taller as they finish each class by the hour.

So much so that it has them arrive late to their Physics class ten minutes late. By the time (Y/n) had arrived, the class was watching a movie off the whiteboard, in a dark room that interfered with this vision to find an empty seat. Once they do find one, at the center of the room, they creep underneath the lights of the player, to avoid any needless confrontation by the teacher.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t play out so well.

“(L/n), moving in the dark.” The teacher even pauses the video. “You’re late again.”

(Y/n) subconsciously hides their face behind the books that they were carrying. “Einstein said...time was relative, right? Who’s to say I’m the one who’s late? Maybe all of you guys are early..?” It was no surprise to them that no one among the classroom laughed at the joke.

Until they heard one small fit of giggles, coming from a student, a girl, with shaggy black hair -- extending down to her chin -- that blended well in the dark, her pale skin doing the opposite. When she notices a few glances that are sent her way, she apologizes in advance, her humor dialed down. “Sorry. It was just...quiet.” A smile appears on (Y/n)’s face because of this, the first time that anyone here had actually relished their joke.

“Would you like to keep standing there, or...do you want to sit down?” Their satisfaction doesn’t last for long when the teacher resumes the movie. They take it upon themself to sit down, coincidently right next to the girl that, supposedly, was amused by their humor.

In between watching the movie, the girl says. “I liked your joke.”

(Y/n) perks up, their smile widening. “Really?”

“It wasn’t really funny. That's why I laughed. But...” She shrugs when she admits. “It was fun. I liked it.”

Now that (Y/n) had thought about it, this was the first that they’ve ever even see the girl in this classroom. “Are you a new student?” The teacher steps in between the two, shushing them both as she walks by. Seconds later, each of the two would steal glances at one another.

Rather than spending the night doing homework or studying for upcoming quizzes and exams, (Y/n) decides to spend the next few hours with the one person they had always served as a comfort to them in the times that were the most stressful: Their Uncle Kenny.

Luckily, where he lived wasn’t near where Levi and Hange were, so going there was nothing but easy. Naturally, they would get caught for sneaking out past curfew, but they could care less.

(Y/n) could always feel confident in being their true self around Kenny, something that was the opposite at both school and home. They trusted the man tremendously with what problems were going on, because, even if he was harsh like his nephew Levi, Kenny wasn’t one to be so judgmental; at least, not most of the time.

“Uncle Kenny!” (Y/n) climbs up the fire escape of his apartment, smearing their face against the tall doors of his balcony, the curtains wide open for the grown man to see. Such an act never seizes to fail Kenny in making him chuckle.

Kenny treats (Y/n) to dinner, leftovers that he had prior, and washes the dishes and eating utensils that were used; while (Y/n) punches his punching bag, like an amateur. “If your ass came all the way here, at a school night, then something must be up. What is it?”

(Y/n) scoffs, their gaze concentrated on punching bag. “Nothing! I just wanted to stop by, that’s all! Things are going well. Got tons of friends. Passing all my classes.”

Kenny knows (Y/n) well enough to determine that they were saying the opposite. “You don’t even make an effort to hide the truth. You’re definitely Levi’s kid.” He finishes washing the dishes and such, returning to where (Y/n) was punching the punching bag. “Smart kids is where it’s at; place must be full of them, no?”

The thought of it makes (Y/n) laugh. “No, there’s no one.” It all seemed so tiresome to even achieve a concept that is overrated by the media and their friends.

Yet Kenny persists. “Now, I can’t go on in life if the family lineage ends with you; just because you got no game.”

“I got game.” (Y/n) says defensively, keeping their distance from the punching bag so that they can follow Kenny to the living room. “I just don’t see the point in using it now. I’m only a sophomore.” The two sit on the couch together, side by side. “I mean, aren’t you supposed to tell me that I should be focusing on school instead?”

Kenny laughs again that night. “Levi would. But, to be perfectly honest, I can care less.”

The easygoing man somehow convinces (Y/n) then think more about their romantic life. “Well...there is this girl.” They lean against one of the arms of the couch, legs tucked in to their stomach as they retrieve their sketch book from the coffee table.

“Oh, yeah?” Kenny leans against his own side of couch. “What’s her name?”

“Funny you should ask.” (Y/n) strains out a few chuckles. “Because, well, I thought the same thing myself.” The response brings more amusement upon Kenny.

“Is that so?” Kenny chooses not to tease more about it. “Well, if you do decide to pursue her, use the shoulder touch.”

“Sorry, the what?”

“The shoulder touch. You kids don’t do that anymore?” The clueless look on (Y/n)’s face reinforces the question that Kenny had meant to be rhetorical. “Okay--” He doesn’t even hesitate to demonstrate. “When you see that girl tomorrow, walk up to her, and go--” He places a hand on one of (Y/n)’s shoulders before portraying a sly look. “Hey.”

(Y/n) struggles to take their uncle seriously, genuine cackles escaping their lips. They push aside the hand as they say, in between their laughter. “Of course we don’t do that anymore, you know how ridiculous that sounds? These days, we kids are more physical, especially when it comes to flirting.”

“I’m telling you, (Y/n), it’s science.” Kenny shrugs playfully. “Girls these days are too sensitive. Best not take any risks.”

“I never even said that I had a thing for her.” (Y/n) shakes their head out of disapproval. “I don’t even think she’s my type, Uncle Kenny.”

“You say that now, but who knows?”

The idea of love never falters from being too tedious in (Y/n)’s eyes. “Seeing how hard it takes for Hange and Levi to make their relationship work exhausts me.”

“The fact alone that Levi even has someone to tolerate someone is more exhausting to think about.” Kenny couldn't agree more, but his tone is more of a sarcastic one. “Poor Hange.”

“Poor Hange? What about me?” (Y/n) retorts, a scowl plastered on their face. “I’m the one that’s being a victim to his overprotectiveness...” They felt their phone vibrate from a pocket of their jacket and take out the device, reading a text that they had received from the man himself.

Done with that homework?

“Is that her?” Kenny assumes that the text itself was from the same girl that (Y/n) had mentioned in the minutes prior.

“No.” (Y/n) returns their phone into the pocket. “It was Levi. As always, he’s worrying about my studies.” They wear a gloomy look when they recall back to their conversation with their guardian, ashamed of themself for not being as firm as they should’ve been when trying to convince Levi to withdraw them from the school.

For the sake of Kenny, (Y/n) decides to leave now, before it becomes a venting session. “I should probably just go.” They gather the belongings that they brought with them to the apartment. “I got a paper to submit tonight.” Right before they close their sketchbook, Kenny caught a glimpse of what they were working on (when they were talking with him).

Hence the reason why Kenny snatches the sketchbook from their lap and examines the drawing up close. “You and your sketches...” He conveys astonishment. “Have you put these up yet?” Another thing that made him great, to (Y/n), was how he was the only one to fully appreciate their hobby.

“Of course not.” (Y/n) sheepishly rubs the back of their neck. “You know Levi would find out. Someway, somehow. I can’t.”

All the more reason to then encourage Kenny to do what he had already planned out in this meeting. “Follow me.” He heads his way to the fire escape, gesturing (Y/n) to accompany him.

As much as (Y/n) wanted to refuse the offer, and be the mature one of the duo, they wouldn’t dare go back to the dorm that restrained them of any fun.

The designated area was secluded from the interconnecting railways of the city’s subway. Kenny casually walks into the tunnel that would draw them away from the public, while (Y/n) was cautious of where they were walking into, unfamiliar with the surroundings, but well aware that being present could get them in trouble.

“If we get caught...”

Kenny spared little to no thoughts about the consequences, not the unusual. “We run for our asses so that we don’t get caught.”

(Y/n) deadpans, refusing to believe that the man was in his mid-50′s and still kicking at life’s obstacles. ‘Normally, most people his age would be burnt out...’

Eventually, the two locate a station that was completely abandoned, secured by tall fences that were meant to keep trespassers away.

“Where did you even find this place?” (Y/n) asks.

“Did an engineering job down here.” Kenny replies with ease, before climbing up the fence and performing a backflip over it. In just the blink of an eye, he was at the other side, exchanging a taunting expression at (Y/n).

It was easy for (Y/n) to climb up to the top, but lifting their dominant leg over the other side was the challenging part. They grit their teeth tightly to resist the urge to back out now, persistent on impressing their Uncle, who they can see is staring at them dead in the eye.

Fortunately for them, they got over, but they fell off the fence in the process, their face planting down to the dirty pavement, right in front of Kenny. They attempt to salvage the accomplishment they made by immediately getting back up, and ignoring the dirt that smudges their face. “The walk over here took a toll out of me.”

Kenny obnoxiously rolls his eyes and walks ahead. “Let’s go.”

The two are now standing at the center of a spacious room that contained wall to wall of graffiti, all but one that was untouched. “You know what to do.” Kenny tosses (Y/n) the first can of spray paint that he found in his personal bag, in which they catch on the spot.

Before (Y/n) knew it, they became invested in painting that bare wall, from top to bottom; overlapping certain colors, outlining the font of the letters that they had intended to spell out, and emphasizing the neon colors of the spray paint that they had sought to have stand out amongst the rest of the graffitis.

As this happens, a spider was stringing themself into the scene, its appearance not the same as any usual kind of spider; its movements were made unaware to (Y/n) and Kenny.

It all came so naturally to (Y/n), their confidence growing back on them for that moment alone; where they never thought about the expectations of others, or get nervous about the possibilities of failing. -- This feeling of freedom was a given to them, and they owe it to their Uncle Kenny for offering such an opportunity.

Looking at how the graffiti came out to be aids (Y/n) to reaffirm their desire in independence. The silhouette that stands in the middle of the word “expectations” was a reflection of what exactly they were going through, and Kenny could see it right through them; his depiction of (Y/n)’s potential never faltered, whether it was art, or simply life in general.

“Do you think it’s too cliche?” (Y/n) can’t help but to depict some kind of flaw, limiting themself from becoming egotistical.

“Hell if I know.” Kenny doesn’t wish to criticize on something that’s not his forte. And the response humors (Y/n).

Kenny hesitates to then mention. “You know Levi use to do this kind of stuff?”

(Y/n) expects a punchline. “Oh really?”

“I’m serious.” Kenny reaffirms. “I wasn’t at my best when I tried to do the uncle thing with him. I never really spent much time with him, despite the fact that I had took him in, after his mom died; because of this, he felt the need to find excuses to grab attention. At least, that’s what I think.”

“What kind of excuses?”

“Grafitti, shoplifting, etc...” Kenny doesn’t intend to go much into it, not pleased with how the past went down. “He didn’t start off on the right foot. And I was responsible for that, I won’t lie. If anything, it was because of him that I realized my mistakes; and for that, I’m grateful that he even lets me spend time with you.” (Y/n) wanders their eyes to the floor, attempting to process his words. “With you, I can at least redeem some aspects of my mistakes.”

“You made mistakes?” (Y/n) found it ironic. “That’s rich.”

Kenny sees why that was. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up smartalec.” But he prioritizes the point that he was trying to make. “Just try to understand Levi a bit more; he’s a pain in the ass, but he means well. You should know that, better than everyone else. Hange does.”

“Hange’s different.” (Y/n) says otherwise. “They’re no different from Levi, when you really look at it. That’s what makes their relationship both wholesome...and intact.”

“But that shouldn't mean you can’t do the same thing.” Kenny tries to have (Y/n) think more positively. “Make an effort. I’m sure he’ll hear you out, from beginning to end.”

(Y/n) doubts that outcome from ever happening. In the attempts prior, it had always been the same: In which Levi would never let them get the last sentence, nor finish it for the matter. “Sure.”

The faint ringtone of Kenny’s phone is heard by both Kenny and (Y/n). One glance at what message he had received, and Kenny says. “Okay, we better head on out; I got things to do.” The grown man as already exiting out of the room, while (Y/n) was packing the spray paint in their book bag.

But before they followed Kenny out, (Y/n) wanted to take a quick picture of their graffiti; for they were sure that they would never come back to this room again. They hold out the phone at the graffiti, snapping a few pictures on the spot once the lighting and angle was just right.

At the last minute, the spider that had came from the outside world (and snuck their way in the abandoned subway station) crawls out of the sleeve of (Y/n)’s jacket, and onto the upper hand of (Y/n)’s extended arm. Just as a gasp escapes their lip, the spider bites onto the hand, its bite injecting spider genetics into the blood cells of the teenager.

“(Y/n), let’s go.” (Y/n) reacts accordingly to the creature that had dared to harm them, slapping it to death with one go (using their free hand). After doing so, they leave the room and catch up to Kenny in seconds.

The lights go off and the corpse of the spider was left behind, with neither of the two visitors realizing that it was a radioactive one that had just transferred spider genetics to its victim.

It was only a matter of time until the aftereffects would come about.

#attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #aot #snk #snk x reader #snk x y/n #snk x you #various x reader #gender neautral reader #spider verse au #levi ackerman #kenny ackerman #hange zöe #mikasa ackerman #aot x gn!reader #aot x reader #aot x y/n #aot x you

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vermillion-san · 11 months

Text

yesterday || chapter I

Pairing: Jean Kirstein x GN!Reader (Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin)

Word Count: 2.7K+ words

Summary: When their estranged half-brother, Eren Jaeger, attempts to contact them through their brother, Zeke, after nearly twelve years, (Y/n) anticipates that there’s a reason behind it; a valid one that can, somehow, justify his action.

“Had I known, I wouldn’t have said anything about it.” It’s only nine in the morning, and, to (Y/n), Zeke had already begun his rampage (of annoyance). “How was I suppose to know that you’d want to talk to your brother?”

“You wouldn’t. Because you make decisions that are based on your own intuitions.” (Y/n) is well aware of how bitter the connotation sounds, but, they thought of themself as valid for saying it in that tone. “He’s my brother too, Zeke. I have my own right to see him, just as much as you do.” They also emphasize on the biggest fact that reinforces their point. “I’m eighteen. You shouldn’t even be making those decisions for me anymore. I’ll decide whether I want to talk to my brother or not.”

Zeke attempts to have (Y/n) look at the situation from his perspective, stopping himself from eating his breakfast so that he can get through to them. “(Y/n), the last time that you spoke to them was when you were six years old. That’s twelve years ago. And during that time, I’ve tried to convince him to receive closure with you; to no prevail. All of a sudden, he has a change of heart? I love Eren, just as much as you do, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. As one of the closest people to him, I can assume that he has yet to develop into a better person; and it’s because of that, I worry that he’ll hurt you. Now that you’re all grown up, I can only imagine how differently you would see him, when he does.”

(Y/n) admits that, they too, were worried about what’s to come. “I know.” They stare down at this unfinished meal for a few seconds, before returning their gaze to Zeke. “But if he’s decided to see me now, I’d like to know why. Surely, there must be a reason why he asked for me.” They offer an expression that portrays their request. “Please.”

Zeke’s own concerns only worsens. “I don’t know, (Y/n)...we’re in the middle of a move, and, you know...” He notices (Y/n) rolling their eyes and shaking their head out of disapproval. “No, seriously.” He doesn’t falter from his belief. “We’re moving in a week. Next thing you know, you’ll be attached to him, just like when you were a child. You never know how to place boundaries between yourself and him.”

“That won't happen.” (Y/n) denies that assumption. “Because I’m not a kid anymore.” They persist. “Please, Zeke.”

Even if he had rejected their request, Zeke was sure that (Y/n) will find a way to communicate with Eren either way. So, he says, “I’ll contact Jean.” He picks up the handle of his teacup to drink another sip off his black tea, staring off at a distance.

(Y/n) perks up at the familiar name. “Jean?” A smile comes about on their face. “Jean Kirstein?”

“He’s Eren’s confidant.” Zeke relays. “With how big his business is, he can’t really trust many people. Ironically, he relies on Jean the most. At this point, he’s like his secretary.”

“I see...” (Y/n) can only wonder how significant Jean had changed, considering that it’s been years since they had encountered him; more like Eren’s friends in general. They remember having so much spending time with them all, the nicest middle schoolers they had ever met in their life (which still stands).

Would that mean they would get to meet everyone else that they knew? Who knows?

~•~

As promised, Zeke had communicated with Jean (through the phone), and requested him to visit the house to create a compromise. (Y/n) eavesdrops not he conversation from the second floor, watching from above at the two converse with one another; they were told to stay quiet on their end, since they knew little to nothing about Eren’s schedule, compared to Zeke.

(Y/n) couldn’t help but to concentrate their gaze on Jean, losing their train of thought by his visible growth. It brought them disbelief that it even was Jean, given how stern he was, in contrast to how cocky and obnoxious he was back in his middle school days. One can only imagine what influenced such a significant difference.

“I want them to meet at a public place.” Zeke says.

“So that they can be photographed?” Jean isn’t one to even stay in a tense atmosphere, attempting to lighten the seriousness of the discussion.

“Ah, come on, please.” Zeke, on the other hand, wasn’t having it. He had yet to approve the idea of having his sister meet with his half-brother, despite making these negotiations. “Don’t be ridiculous, of course not.”

Jean shrugs. “All I’m saying is, Eren will be Eren. Everywhere he goes, people will follow. He’s one of the country’s notorious businessmen. No one knows about you and (Y/n)’s relation to him. And even if suspicions are made, he’ll reject them. You know that perfectly well.” Zeke sighs in contemplation pinching the temple of his forehead. “If you want to keep (Y/n) out of the spotlight, we host the meeting privately.”

“But...”

That’s when (Y/n) jumps into the conversation. “Zeke.” They show little to no remorse towards their brother’s concerns.

“(Y/n), I thought you were going to let me speak with Jean alone.” Zeke says, a hint of irritation heard in his voice.

“You’re making it more complicated than it has to be.” (Y/n) doesn’t wish to wait, anxious to contact their half-brother after waiting for so many years. “I’m sorry, but, honestly, neither of us should be talking to Jean at all. I’ve waited for almost twelve years, and I don’t want to wait any longer.” They glance over at where Jean stood among the room. “Let me talk to my brother.” They whip out their phone and gestures it out to Jean, in anticipation that they receive a phone number on the spot.

Jean comes to the final negotiations, for the sake of (Y/n). He can tell that they were getting annoyed. “Okay, how about this: I give you his phone number--” He takes the phone from (Y/n) and types in Eren’s contact info. “--and let him know that you’re going to call. But after that, you’re on your own. I don’t like getting involved in his personal life. And I don’t intend on doing so from this point on.” He returns the phone back to young adult that stands before him.

(Y/n) takes offense to the last sentence that Jean had said, interpreting it as the same kind of ignorance that he always had. “Yeah, whatever.” While walking pass him, they purposefully bump a shoulder into one of his arms (due to the height difference), before stomping back up the stairs to the second floor. Jean can’t bother to spare a look at them regardless, shaking his head out of disapproval, depicting the youngest sibling as childish as the man he works for.

Despite the difficulties in coming to a compromise, Zeke says, genuinely, “Thanks, Jean.”

“Of course.” Jean turns the other way and dismisses himself. “Until then.”

~•~

Entering in the house itself, where Eren was living in, was, probably, the hardest thing for (Y/n) to do. Waking up, knowing that today would be the day they would see their estranged half-brother after twelve long years, made them both doubtful, yet excited. They had already heard plenty of rumors, regarding Eren’s credibility among his business, and the (romantic) relationships that he has tried to keep behind the curtains; and they couldn’t help but to worry if, at least one, had been true. At the same time, they would never rely on the media, than whatever their brother would say in retaliation; whether or not he was telling the truth.

“Hello...?” (Y/n) nervously wanders inside, deep into the main entrance of the gigantic house. “Eren?” They earn no response, silence whelming the place before they repeat. “Hello?”

“(Y/n)?” Their body goes stiff at the voice they knew all too well. Hesitantly, they follow to where it had come from, behind the staircase that was covering a back room that was meant for lounging. Inside was none other than their beloved brother, Eren Jaeger. The silence never disappears when the two siblings make eye contact with one another, each of them taking in each other’s appearances; both stunned by how the other had changed throughout the years.

Eren couldn’t help but to smile, pleased to see (Y/n) as a grown adult. “Last time I saw you...” He shakes his head in disbelief, his smile staying in place. “You were...” While he uses one hand to carry his beverage, he uses the other to estimate how small (Y/n) once was. “--...this small.” He chuckles in amusement and approaches his half-sibling, who keep a distance between themself and him. “What happened to you?” He asks jokingly, in which earns him a fit of laughter from (Y/n).

(Y/n) shrugs, hesitating to joke back. “Twelve years.” They don’t want it to come off as rude, but it was the best response that they could come up with on the spot. Fortunately for them, Eren found the humor int he satire.

To create a conversation, Eren insists that he gives (Y/n) a tour around the house. “Let’s go, I’ll show you around while we catch up.” The two walk side by side with one another. “When Jean first told me that you were going to call me, for us to meet up, I was relieved. I thought what Zeke had told me was what you really wanted.”

“Not at all.” (Y/n) assures to him. “I’ve always wanted to see you again. Despite our differences, you’re still my brother. And even if we never got to spend much time together, you were a huge difference in my life.”

Eren smiles genuinely. “I’m so glad to hear that.” He spins around the wine that he was carrying inside the glass cup, staring down at it as he adds, “I know that I’m not...pleasant to be around with, so...it’s a comfort to hear that from you.” (Y/n) simply smiles back at him, appreciating this heartwarming moment that was starting this reunion off right.

“Anyway, enough about me.” Eren puts aside the sentimental stuff. “How have you been? You finished high school at this point, yeah?”

“Yeah.” (Y/n) nods in reaffirmation. “It’s already been a month. I start university in the upcoming September.”

Eren conveys an impressed look. “I see. And what do you plan on studying in?”

“I want to become a doctor. Just like dad.” (Y/n) proclaims with confidence. “I’m going to get a Bachelor’s in Science and get into a top medical school.” They deadpan at the slim chances of doing so. “Hopefully.”

“Wow...” Eren’s smile widens. “And here I thought you’d get into business, too.”

“No, I don’t think I’m suited in that, if I’m being perfectly honest...” (Y/n) sheepishly scratches the corner of their chin with a finger. “I took a course that served as an introduction, back in high school, but the concepts were too complicated for me to understand, and somewhat scary...”

Eren can see where they’re coming from. “Makes sense.” He takes a sip off his drink before mentioning. “But it’s not like being a doctor is any easier.”

(Y/n) laughs at the remark. “I’m well aware.” They look around the rooms that they were finding along the way. “How long have you had this house?”

“Two years now.” Eren answers. “Jean helped me pick it out.”

“Zeke says that he’s like...your confidant.” (Y/n) brings up. “But I remember that it was Armin was the closest to you, was he not?”

“He was.” Eren admits. “We parted ways years ago.” (Y/n) reacts with an alarmed look. “I’ve done the same to everyone else. Sasha, Connie, Mikasa...Jean is the only one I can trust now. Unlike them, he hasn’t betrayed my trust.”

(Y/n) can only imagine how lonely it must be to not have anyone by one person. “And you’re okay with that?”

Eren’s eyes narrow. “It doesn’t matter if I’m okay with it.” He side eyes (Y/n). “When you’re one of the country’s most notorious businessmen, you have to cautious on those who you can trust; because this world has several people that want to take the short cut, who will do anything to achieve salvation in the easiest way possible. Many have tried, and none have succeed. And that’s because I know right away, when someone wants to betray me, or already has.”

The mindset seemed rather paranoid, but (Y/n) felt like they had no right in criticizing. “So being an infamous businessmen has its flaws, huh?” They try to lighten the mood.

“You don’t even half of it.” Eren heaves out a deep sigh. “Jean really does come through for me. We’ve had our difficulties for many years, but..he’s always been there for me. Especially now, when everyone that we had known since childhood have now...parted ways with us.” A hint of sorrow is visible in his eyes, depicted by (Y/n) on the spot.

(Y/n) hums, pleased to know that at least there was one childhood friend that stayed with Eren. “He sounds like a dependable guy.” They start to take back what they had assume from their reunion with Jean, at the back of their mind. “And you always have Zeke and me, too. You’re not alone in this, okay?” They were now starting to understand why Eren had sought to receive closure, no matter how long the timing took.

Eren appreciates (Y/n)’s kindness, reminded of how they had always tried to keep him and everyone happy, for as far back as he can remember; it was admirable to see how they had stayed firm to their initial characteristics, in a way that makes them more mature. Compared to how he was at their age, they were everything that he wished he was.

“The truth is...” Eren eventually stops walking, awkwardly circling a finger around the rim of the glass cup. “--...I have a problem.” (Y/n) is more than willing to hear him. “And it’s been difficult to continue...working for my company. Maybe just working in general.” The brunette can’t seem to muster the courage to tell them exactly why this was. “I had finished a day of work, like any other day that goes by, and suddenly the realization hit me...that my work...how I got here...in addition to how I obtained everything that I wanted...” He can’t even look at (Y/n) in the eyes, the nervousness getting to him. “--...it involved sacrifices that...I can’t seem to move on from.” He sighs in disappointment and goes quiet, refusing to spare a look at (Y/n).

(Y/n) struggles to understand what Eren was implying when he meant sacrifices, but they can comprehend the basis of his regrets. “I’m sorry...” They say it in a sympathetic voice that’s meant to comfort him, in which they can tell, is his worst.

Yet Eren isn't one to put himself in a vulnerable position. His stubbornness always gets the better of him. “Nothing serious. Just a temporary...mishap that I’ll get over.”

Well aware that they won’t get through to him, unless he himself chooses to, (Y/n) then says. “What a bummer.” They use humor to, once again, focus on the positive side of things. “Well, look at it this way. Your little mishap brought us together. It’s like a blessing in disguise.”

A smile reappears on Eren’s face, this time a playful smirk. “Oh really?”

“Yeah really.” (Y/n) reaffirms, their own smirk no different from his. “I mean, if you just missed me so much, you could’ve just said so.” They say this to amuse their half-brother, not expecting him to agree upon that mere tease.

“I did miss you.” But Eren does, relishing this opportunity that he took to see their half-sibling, all grown up and mature. (Y/n) felt the same way, but they were surprised that the brunette had admitted to it; in addition to the warm smile that they had earned from the same man. “I’m really glad that you’re here.” The two smile at one another, spending the rest of the afternoon catching up on what they had missed from their separate lives.

However, at the back of their mind, (Y/n) couldn’t help but to contemplate on what Eren had meant in sharing his predicament. Knowing him, they had elaborated his words as the opposite of what he had tried to make it out to be.

And it bothered them tremendously.

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