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The first time they sleep together isn’t really the first time they sleep together. But it is the first after a very long time.
He watches the rise and fall of her chest with each breath. He likes the way her brows furrow every few minutes and how her lips are slightly parted, drawing him in. Mikasa mumbles in her sleep, she only does this when she's really tired, he recalls from when they were little. Her hand is resting on his chest and it feels warm, the same way it did when they first fell asleep many hours ago. Had they not moved the whole night?
His body feels stiff but he doesn’t move, even as every muscle in his body is begging him to stretch. What if when he moves he's back in those paths?
He doesn’t want to take the risk.
---
He enjoys working with his hands, he finds. Fishing and chopping wood keep his mind and body busy. He can't recall if he liked it when he was a kid, maybe he never did. He probably didn't. It feels good to do something with his hands other than destroying.
The breeze is nice and as they walk away from the cabin he feels Mikasa’s hand brush against his. It's a good day.
He sees her carrying a lot more wood than he is, and for the first time in a long time that's ok. She’s always been stronger than him, after all.
“Don’t over do it, Mikasa” he shouts her way and when she turns to him she’s smiling.
He decides he’ll make dinner tonight.
---
She’s always very gentle when she cuts his hair. It’s always very soothing.
When she finishes she places a small kiss on the back of his head, caressing his new undercut. He’s curious and a little nervous, but he instantly loves it when she guides him to the mirror and smiles at her good work. His head was heavy before, he feels his shoulders lighter.
He chuckles to himself, he knows it wasn’t because of the haircut he felt that way.
Eren takes Mikasa’s hands and kisses it gently. First the back, then each finger, one by one.
He’ll make sure to thank her properly tonight.
---
They promised not to talk about it, both of them.
They promised they would live those four years peacefully and they do. They live selfishly and worry only about making the most of their days, but when they reach the ocean both of them stay silent. Neither says a word about the tears running down their cheeks.
The sea is blue and it reminds them of him.
Eren decides he’ll take a shell home.