To the End of the World - Eren Yeager x Reader

It's a new day, but one that feels different from all the others. After weeks of working nonstop to help your mother prepare for the baby, she's finally decided to stop working and focus entirely on getting ready for the birth. That means-for the first time in a while-you're free. No more running deliveries, no more long days juggling chores and tip money, no more responsibilities. At least for a few days, you get to just be a kid again.

Even better? You and Eren made plans to hang out-finally. It's been nearly a week since you last saw him, and while you've been working hard, he's been impatiently waiting for you to be free again. And to top it off, your mother surprised you with one last batch of cookies before taking her break. A thank-you gift for your hard work, she said. You helped her make them, and now you're bringing them with you-hoping to share them with Eren and maybe even Mikasa and Armin, if they happen to be around.

You walk the familiar dirt path with the small box in your arms, the soft scent of sugar and warm butter drifting out through the little cracks in the lid. The day is perfect-warm but not too hot, the sun beaming gently from above, people are scattered along the roads and sidewalks enjoying the good weather. Kids run past with sticks in hand pretending they're swords, shopkeepers sweep their porches, and every now and then, you hear the distinct clatter of a wagon passing through.

When you reach the bridge, you stop and glance around, finding it empty for now. You sit on the stone steps leading up to it, gently setting the box of cookies on your lap. Lifting the lid just a little, you peek inside, proud of the colorful array. There are soft chocolate chip cookies, vibrant sugar cookies in pastel colors, and a few oatmeal ones shaped like stars. You grin to yourself, imagining Eren's reaction-maybe wide eyes, a dramatic gasp, or something even funnier.

And right on cue, you feel a light shove against your shoulder. You blink, then turn-those familiar teal eyes are looking right at you. It's Eren, breathless like he ran the whole way, his hair messier than usual and a big grin on his face.

"Hey," he says, almost too excited for such a simple word.

You beam back at him. "Hi Eren!"

Without saying anything else, the two of you sit side by side on the steps. The quiet is comfortable now, the kind that only exists between close friends. Eren's gaze drops to the box on your lap. He tilts his head. "What's that?"

You puff up a little with pride. "Only the best cookies you'll ever eat," you say, opening the lid with a little dramatic flair.

His jaw nearly drops. "Whoa," he breathes out, staring at the assortment like he's never seen dessert before.

"I helped my mom make them," you explain, smiling. "I thought Mikasa and Armin would be with you so we could all share them, but..."

Eren shakes his head, still staring into the box. "They're busy today," he mutters, then looks at you and grins. "Guess that just means more for me."

You laugh, nudging his shoulder with yours. "We're sharing. I worked hard on these, you know."

His eyes sparkle as he picks up one of the chocolate chip cookies. "fine... I guess I'll share," he promises. And as he takes his first bite, he lets out a dramatic sigh. "Okay-yeah. You weren't kidding. These are amazing."

Your heart flutters at his expression, his cheeks puffed full of cookies, eyes wide in approval.

You grab one before closing the box gently, resting it on your lap as the quiet lingers between you and Eren. At first, it's comfortable-just the rustle of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and the occasional crunch from the cookies between you. But slowly, something inside you starts to sink. Your chewing slows, then stops altogether. The lightness you felt just moments ago seems to dim as your gaze lowers to your lap.