aot one shots

hiraeth // eren x dead!reader

type; no specification on gender/pronouns

t.warning?; none? sadness rlly LMFAO

word total; 4,961

definition; Hiraeth ( Welsh pronunciation: [hɪraɨ̯θ, hiːrai̯θ]) is a Welsh word for longing or nostalgia, an earnest longing or desire, or a sense of regret. The feeling of longing for a home that no longer exists or never was. A deep and irrational bond felt with a time, era, place, or person.

◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸

A male resting at 5'7" sat at the edge of a nicely made fresh infirmary cot. His long thin fingers cupping at his head that lay between his legs, silent tears cascading and kissing his face. The once bright green eyes full of life and curiosity swam with darker shades. As if life itself had been taken straight from his soul.

Everyone was concerned about the love-struck individual. There wasn't a moment he wasn't fighting over you, gossiping. Being a lovesick pup. After your death, he truly wasn't the same.

The long dark browned figure had been through it all it seemed, he witnessed his own mother die in front of him, yet he was more scarred at y/n's death. Oh, how he adored when they'd twirl their digits between his soft long locks, pecking away his worries and fears. Or how they were always so cheerful, so bubbly and caring.

It was as if just yesterday he could recall you excitedly prancing over with a book you had found. Informing him of one of the most beautiful words you had ever come by. Your illness brushed past your shoulder, beaming (e/c) orbs burning holes in his own, blinding him as well with your iridescent grin.

-flashback-

"Eren, Eren!" You had screamed, flopping around with your sprint due to your weak legs. Arms raising up high a simple romantic novella that appeared to be centuries old. What could have you so smitten from that raggedy old thing?

Well, the boy looked cautiously and caught you beneath your feet, a soft sigh slipping past his pursed pale lips. "What is it now you rascal?" He chuckled, placing you steadily on your own two feet. "I found a new word! It's stunning! It's Hiraeth." A short pause fell from the mouth of the shorter.

"I went to go ask Hange what it meant because you know how she's smart and stuff. Apparently, it means a deep longing for something or someone." You continued. "It's used when that thing is gone or missing. They or it felt like home, your sanctuary."

The hot-head was at a loss for words, who on earth came up with such a complicated word? When would it ever be used? Eren would never say that to you, but it was what his thoughts were telling him at that moment. No one would ever remember such fancy terminology. "When would you ever use it? I mean, that thing must have a lot of meaning for you to feel that way towards it."

"Yes exactly!" Y/n retorted, their nose pointed up towards the blue sky. Double taking when realizing that wasn't what they meant. "No! I mean- urgh. An example...being healthy would be my hiraeth. I've always dreamed of living a long life, especially now that I have someone like you Yaeger." They mumbled, astonishing the brunette.

"You what with me?" Time had halted, did you just confess? To HIM? One of the most annoying soldiers to ever exist? There was no way in a lifetime you liked him. Impossible.

"Yaeger. How dense could you possibly be? I love you. I can tell by your face that's what you're wondering. I know you like me back as well. I'm not deaf, plus you can thank Mikasa for telling me. I want to spend a good chunk of our lives together. Of course, this all won't be over for a while. Eren, I know we're young but I'd want a family with you. Reject me if you'd like, but I'm coming clean now because our world is cruel."

The wind ruffled your (h/c) hair as you waited for him to speak up. Dumbfounded was an understatement for the male, it was as if he had been drained of all blood. A simple croak was all he could muster, confirming he would like to do the same. It made your optics roll at the antics, he was cute. What was cuter was that you were both together now and that was all that mattered.

You both spent the rest of the day talking and being lovey-dovey.

-current time-

By the time he had snapped out of it, his hands were drenched with salty waterworks, his bangs sticking to his forehead. The agony was all he could feel every time he would tilt his head to the side and admire your paler features showing no signs of coming back. Even while deceased you appeared to be an angel. You looked to be at peace with your closed eyes, hair disheveled onto the pillow.

The door to the infirmary swung open to reveal a saddened group of comrades. They all were hurting, the news of your death spread like wildfire around HQ. You were loved by all, even Captain Levi. Some didn't admit it, but they all mourned your loss. Due to health reasons, you were mainly there to boost their morals and help out. Unfortunately, they lost that spark.

While they stared between the two of you, Eren paid no mind. Instead, his shaking palms cupped your limp visage, thumbs brushing over every crease. Desperately taking up all of you before planting a goodbye kiss on your forehead. Staggering onto his legs to drag himself out and to his living quarters, the green-eyed organism couldn't help but whisper his last words to you. His partner in crime.

"You, my darling, are my hiraeth."

Just like that, he understood. He was going to remember.