*?? EREN JAEGER X READER
When you're paired with Eren Jaeger for a semester-long psych project on vulnerability, you expect awkward silences, not slow-burning tension and quiet moments that say more than words ever could. He's distant but not cruel...
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CONNIE'S CAR ALWAYS SMELLED vaguely of orange air freshener and something toasted — probably the remnants of a McMuffin that had fused with the passenger seat weeks ago. The vents rattled as he cranked up the heat, and a faint hum from the stereo filled the space between you. Outside, the streets were quiet, darkened storefronts blurring past like soft-focus memories.
"So," Connie said, one hand on the wheel, the other curled around his smoothie cup. "Are we gonna talk about why the group chat's drier than Mikasa's expression when Jean opens his mouth?"
You looked out the window, fighting a smile. "You're dramatic."
"I thrive in drama. Now spill."
You sighed, sinking deeper into your seat, fingers fidgeting with the hem of your sleeve. "It's kind of a long story."
"We're driving twenty minutes for hash browns and neon lighting. I've got time."
You hesitated, then started from the beginning.
"Okay. Remember the other day, in the library?"
"Jean dragging you somewhere stupid? Yeah, burned into my memory. That boy has menace in his bones."
You huffed a laugh, but nodded. "He saw Eren and Mikasa sitting together. At one of the back tables."
Connie groaned. "Oh no."
"And I told him to leave it. But he grabbed my wrist and pulled me over there anyway. Plopped himself down at their table like we were all meant to be there."
"That's... bold."
"He started cracking jokes about how it looked like Eren and Mikasa were on a study date. Said something like, 'Should we leave you two alone or are you into having an audience?'" You cringed at the memory. "I could feel Eren shutting down. Completely silent. Wouldn't even look at me."
"Jesus."
"After we left, I tore into Jean. Told him he was being a jackass and that Eren didn't deserve that kind of humiliation. He tried to laugh it off, but I didn't let him. I went home feeling like I'd ruined everything."
Connie whistled low. "Okay, yeah. That's a dumpster fire with a side of cringe."
"But then," you continued, voice quieter now, "Eren came over the next day. For the project."
Connie perked up, one eyebrow raised.
"He showed up exactly on time, of course. Sat on my floor with his notes and barely said ten words at first. But I apologized. For not stopping Jean sooner. For not defending him right away. He listened."
"And?"
"And we kept working. But somewhere in the middle of those weird psychology questions, I made a joke."
