Chapter 35: Wrapped Around Your Finger
Eren's POV
Faint light filtered through the misty window, casting a soft glow on her face. Even in the stillness of the night, Mikasa looked as breathtaking as ever. My beautiful Mikasa lay slumped against me, her head resting on my shoulder.
Her lips tugged into a serene smile, and her captivating grey-blue eyes remained closed, her soft, tired breaths warming the air between us and brushing against my neck.
She sat nestled in my lap, her form delicate and frail as I cradled her with one arm. In my other hand, our daughter—so tiny, so perfect, a mirror of her mother—slept peacefully. And yet, for reasons I couldn't quite grasp, my tears wouldn't stop falling.
This life is so damn beautiful.
My gaze lingered on Mikasa, my wife, my everything. She had just brought this little miracle into the world—a small, precious girl who carried my blood and hers. Our daughter.
This incredible woman had turned someone like me—empty, broken, hollow—into a crybaby who couldn't hold back his emotions. And I was grateful. Grateful in a way I couldn't put into words.
She seemed so utterly exhausted, her body trembling even in sleep, faint sounds escaping her lips as though the strain of the day hadn't quite left her. Yet, even now, she captivated me with her beauty, a quiet and unshakable charisma that left me in awe.
The night slipped away in what felt like moments as I sat there, unable to tear my gaze from them. My family. A gift I never thought I deserved, yet one I would treasure for as long as I lived.
Soon the rays of sun casted it's golden glow over our messy room, yet even now I found myself staring at her, unable to look away. Her partially opened charcoal-blue eyes already held mine, and a faint, warm smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Morning… darling," she murmured, leaning in to kiss me softly. Her lips, swollen but gentle, brushed against mine, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder while the other slipped into my hair, pulling me closer.
We stayed like that, caught in the stillness of the morning, until the sound of soft cries broke the silence. Erika was awake too now, her tiny voice filling the room.
We pulled apart, sharing a quiet smile before looking down at her. Her small, tear-filled green eyes glistened in the morning light like polished emeralds.
Tears streamed down her round, rosy cheeks, and she clung to the fabric of my shirt as if it were her lifeline. Her head rested against my chest, and her muffled cries sent a wave of tenderness through me.
"Ereh…" Mika's soft voice broke the silence, her smile radiant as she reached for the baby. Erika's cries filled the air, a sound that somehow felt like music to our ears.
"I'll feed her," she said gently, cradling the little one in her arms.
I nodded, my gaze lingering on her until her expression shifted into something mischievous. "Ereh…you wanna, you know… have the another one?" She smirked, her teasing tone filled with wicked intent.
It hit me instantly what she meant, and a mix of emotions rippled through me—love, fondness, and maybe a tinge of exasperation. I sighed, shaking my head. "Idiot," I whispered, leaning close to her ear before pulling her into a warm hug.
Her laughter was soft but infectious, her smile so captivating it felt like it could stop time. "Right… breakfast," I muttered, stretching before heading out of the room.
The kitchen felt peaceful, bathed in the soft morning light as I got to work. After what felt like an eternity of flipping pans and stirring pots, I finally finished making an omelette, grilled salmon, and soup.
From the living room, the impatient voice of my other little one, my Mika echoed through the house, her hunger complaints growing louder by the minute. A small smile tugged at my lips as I plated everything, knowing she'd been eagerly waiting for this.
Carrying the tray into the bedroom, I found Mikasa still seated on the bed, Erika cradled carefully in her arms. She hummed softly, brushing her finger gently along our baby's tiny cheek, her raven-black hair spilling over her shoulders. She looked so serene, but the moment her eyes met mine, a familiar mischievous spark ignited.
"Breakfast's ready," I said, placing the tray on the bedside table.
"Thank you, Ereh," she whispered, but then her lips curved into that teasing smile I'd grown to love and fear.
"Ereh," she started, her voice dripping with mock innocence, "don't you think it's about time you changed Erika's diaper?"
I blinked. "Wait. What? Now?" I asked, my voice rising in protest as I stared at her like she'd just suggested something insane.
"Yes, now," she said, biting back a laugh as she adjusted Erika in her arms. "She's your daughter too, isn't she?"
"Mikasa…" I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "She just got here! You're the one who's… uh… experienced in this department!"
"Experienced?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. "She's my first too, Eren. Besides, you fought Titans—how hard can this be?"
"That's not the same thing!" I retorted, throwing my hands up. "Titans don't… you know, need diapers!"
Mikasa broke into soft laughter, her tired eyes gleaming with amusement. "Eren, you're making this too easy," she said, shaking her head. "I'll do it this time, since you're clearly terrified. But you're on diaper duty next."
I scoffed. "Over my dead body," I muttered, though I couldn't help but smile at her teasing.
Mikasa chuckled as she leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on my cheek. "We'll see about that," she murmured, before focusing back on Erika.
I watched her for a moment, my heart swelling as she expertly attended to our newborn. Even in exhaustion, Mikasa radiated a kind of beauty and grace that left me speechless.
"Hey," she said, catching me staring as she cleaned her hands. "What's that look for?"
I shrugged, stepping closer and sitting beside her. "Nothing... Just feeling blessed, having you right here with me." I said softly, kissing her forehead.
Soon I picked up the food tray and started to feed her, allowing her to relax after the long, exhausting, yet beautiful night.
As I carefully held a spoonful of soup up to her lips, I couldn't help but glance at our sleeping daughter and then back to my teasing, radiant wife.
The love I felt for them was overwhelming, yet a part of me ached. The thought of them having to live on without me—it hurt more than I could admit.
Two alternatives danced in my mind, but I couldn't bring myself to decide, let alone discuss them with her. Mikasa didn't want to talk about me leaving her, and I couldn't blame her for that. Not now. That conversation could wait for another day, whenever I mustered the courage to bring it up.
"Ereh…"
Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts, the familiar way she pronounced my name—soft, playful, uniquely hers—never failed to disarm me. I'd corrected her countless times that it was "Eren" with an "n," not an "h," but her stubborn insistence that only she could call me that always made me smile.
"Yeah?" I asked, turning to meet her gaze.
Mikasa closed the small distance between us, settling comfortably in my lap. Her big, expressive charcoal-blue eyes locked onto mine, the intensity of her gaze enough to make my breath hitch.
Without hesitation, I moved her closer, adjusting her so she'd be more at ease in my lap. Her hands wrapped loosely around my neck, her touch both familiar and comforting.
"Ereh…" she started softly, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink as she bit her lip. "I was just thinking… If you don't mind…" She hesitated for a moment, her voice growing quieter. "Can we… maybe get some new clothes for me?"
My brow furrowed slightly, but she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I mean… I was thinking maybe I could wear long skirts? I thought maybe Ereh would love me more that way…"
I blinked at her, surprised and utterly charmed. This was so typically Mikasa—bold yet shy, straightforward yet uncertain. I couldn't help but smile as I took her in, my heart swelling with adoration.
But, marrying Mika might have been the most expensive decision of my life. Here I was, foolishly thinking I'd married a selfless, loyal teenage girl—someone who had thrown everything behind her just for me. I thought she'd be content with a simple life, happy to live in any condition. Who was I even kidding?
Still, it didn't matter. Whatever she asked for, I'd never say no. She deserved the world, and I'd make damn sure she got it.
As I smiled at her, anticipating her next move, like always, Mikasa leaned in, her soft, wet lips pressing against mine. The faint salty taste of grilled fish lingered on her lips, blending with mine.
Her tongue teased against my lips, trying to slip into my mouth, but I didn't let her—not until she pinched my cheek with her free hand, making me wince slightly.
A soft laugh escaped her as she pulled back, her lips leaving mine, though her gaze still held me captive. How did this woman manage to ensnare me so completely? She was my weakness and my strength, wrapped in one impossibly beautiful package.
"But… but…" she began, her voice faltering. "I… I won't force Ereh… I don't mind if he doesn't want to… It's just…"
Her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet, her nose twitched, and even her ears seemed to move slightly as she fidgeted. Long raven-black hair framed her face, her swollen pink lips trembling slightly, and her charcoal-blue eyes shimmering with emotion.
My queen. My goddess. The world should bow at your feet.
Before I even realized it, my nose began to bleed. I cupped her cheeks instinctively, holding her as if she might disappear.
"Buy anything," I whispered, my voice trembling with conviction. "You can buy anything. I'll kill anyone or anything that tries to get in Mika's way—even myself."
A sly, almost mischievous grin curved her lips, and her face softened into a gentle expression. She nodded lightly, her head nestling against my chest as if it belonged there.
"I love you… Eren~sama," she murmured, her voice laced with affection. "My king."
I gulped, wrapping my arms around her in an embrace that was both protective and tender. I made sure my grip wasn't too tight, though. Memories from years ago flashed through my mind—back when I was a kid and found a stray brown cat.
I thought it was the cutest thing in the world, and one day, I hugged it too tightly. I didn't realize until it was too late that I'd broken its neck.
Yeah… I had to be careful. If Mikasa kept acting this way, one of us might die. Either her, from my overly tight hugs, or me, from a heart attack caused by her sheer cuteness.
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Just finished writing this story. Its about 64 chapters long and I'll release the last 5 chapters on the same day so keep sending them power stones! ^~^