Work Text:
You glanced over at the time, trying to count the amount of hours left until the due time. About 8, it was already 1 in the morning. Letting out a sigh, you focused back on your very much due in 8 hours essay that you decided to cram last minute. Again. Seriously, you should get your work done on time so that you can relax before your finals. Not to mention you just stared at the darn thing for at least 3 of the hours you were supposed to be writing.
Whatever, what’s done is done. No turning back time. Taking a sip of your coffee, you placed the mug back down onto your messy desk covered in homework, pencil shavings, and paperwork from God knows where. Fingers frantically typing, your eyes stayed glued to the screen, even with the sudden creek from the door behind you. In all honesty, you didn’t even have the energy nor motivation to turn around and look who it was. The heavy steps muffled by the familiar material of fluffy cat slippers should’ve given it away, anyways.
“Buttercup, it’s 1 in the morning. Come to bed.”
You let out a grunt, which is to be taken as an answer of no. A small and pathetic whine escaped the man behind you, and you knew he’d start pleading and bargaining soon. Oh hell no, he is not pulling that shit on you.
“But—“
“I have an essay to finish, Eren,” you stated sternly, clearly in no mood to deal with his childish antics. There was a huff followed by heavy footsteps and the creek of the door. Finally, some peace.
Or so you thought, because within a few minutes those heavy footsteps returned. What the—?
“I told you, I’m working.”
“And that doesn’t mean I can’t bring you a fresh cup of coffee. Your mug is empty, stupid,” he said, taking the empty mug before leaving once again.
Wearily, you looked into the cup, as if expecting some sort of sedatives to be mixed with your drink. Eren had walked back into the room at this point and nudged the cup forward with a smile. Even in the dim lighting of the room it shined brightly.
“Just two teaspoons of sugar and a bit of cream, the way you like it,” he insisted, and you took a taste test. He was right, but you still looked distrusting of the cup as his smile faded.
“I thought you had this finished a while ago, I did at least.”
“Yeah well not everyone is able to plan things ahead. Besides, last year you did the entirety of your final project in one night,” you grumbled, his cheeks flushing with color as a small smirk appeared on your face.
“That was one time!” he retorted, looking away for a moment as he was clearly embarrassed of his previous actions.
“One time is enough to tease you about it for eternity.”
Deciding it wasn’t worth it to keep your eyes staring at a bright white document page for at least a five minute break, you turned to take in the way your boyfriend looked. Although it wasn’t your absolute favorite look—that award went to Eren coming out of the shower with his hair slicked back and water trickling down his defined muscles—it certainly won in the cute category.
Some of the shorter locks of chestnut hair stood up on the right side of his head in a cowlick, clearly showing how he was sleeping to one side. The rest of his hair was wild and tangled, a look you don’t see on him often. Well, not since the first years of college. It was when he had shorter hair, curtain style with a middle part. You missed the old look, it made him look like the spunky kid you had a crush on at the party that night. Now it was long, shoulder length, and usually tied up in a bun. By no means were you complaining, it made him look older, more mature, maybe you had a soft spot for braiding hair too but who knows?
He also grew, how tall was he now? 180cm (5’10)? 182cm (5’11)? No, it was 183cm (6’0), you remembered him bragging about it to a friend of his, Armin. The height suited his new look, it made him feel older. The dim lighting only added to his sun-kissed skin, the warmth perfectly highlighting the muscles in his arms. You seriously don’t know how you got someone like him to date you, it was like some form of sorcery. It wasn’t even you who asked him out, it was the other way around, which was somehow even more shocking. Someone as good looking as him? It surprised you beyond belief.
Add on top of the fact he was in the cutest pajamas known to man. Well, not really, it was a tank top with a seagull on it along with a pair of plaid boxers, but the little cat slippers he had added to the look of a cuddly teddy bear. Any clothes he had, he looked absolutely handsome in, even that stupid seagull costume you had bought him for Halloween last year.
But your favorite part of him was his eyes. They were a striking green with a hint of blue. You remembered the people in your class describe it as sea green, and you couldn’t agree more. You always found yourself lost looking into his eyes, whether it be that shade of green or that spark of joy when he got excited, it was always something. They were illuminated by your desk lamp, and even now, at whatever god forsaken hour it is, they look beautiful.
“How is it possible that you look adorable and gorgeous at the same time?” you questioned, resting your chin on your hand. He raised an eyebrow at the sudden compliment, looking at you suspiciously.
“Sounds to me like you’re trying to get more favors out of me,” he cooed in return, a curious smile on his face. You couldn’t help but laugh.
“Damn, and here I was hoping I could get that midnight snack.”
“Sorry buttercup, not happening,” he said, pinching your cheek lovingly as you swatted him away.
As your eyes trailed back to your work, you found yourself unable to type, unable to focus. Your mind had become blank, and you struggled to properly put the words down onto the document. Eren seemed to notice, and he looked as though he was devising a plan. It was a really amazing skill; Eren always got you convinced to do anything, no matter how boring or scary it was. Whether it was going on a terrifying ride at an amusement park or getting you to do your math homework, heknows how to get you fired up. That’s how he was with everyone, and you always admired that about him.
“Stand up,” he said suddenly, and you looked at him with confusion. Stand up?
“I already told you—“
“I know. Let me help.”
Even more confused than before, you stood up from your chair, your eyes following the other in the room as he sat down and spread his legs. Your face flushed with color before averting your eyes entirely. Seriously?! At a time like this?! You were trying to work, not have sex!
“Calm down, sit. Facing the computer,” he said, patting the space in front of him.
Ohh, so that’s what he’s doing.
Suddenly no longer in a blushing state, you plopped down between his legs, to which he wrapped them around your waist, as if to lock you in place. Shivers shot up your spine as his arms followed suit, not used to the breathing tickling at your neck.
“Relax. Finish your work, alright?” he insisted, rubbing relaxing circles into your thighs.
With a deep breath, you quickly got back to work. Having his warmth wrapped around your body made you a little sleepy, but it wasn’t too bad. Every time you felt yourself drifting to sleep, he tapped you awake, and you took a sip of coffee. Eren even offered to proofread the damn thing, even if it was at an ungodly hour. The brunette never bothered to look at your screen, he was focused on giving you as relaxing of an atmosphere as possible. His breath on your bare neck gave you goosebumps, but the good kind. Every now and then he’d ask how it was going and would hum in response to your answer, signaling he was satisfied with the progress.
You could hear him struggle to stay awake sometimes, it was quite late (or early?), and Eren was more of a day person. A sudden knot of guilt appeared in the pit of your stomach, feeling bad as he most likely had classes in the morning. Almost as if reading your mind, he kissed your ear softly before whispering reassurance.
“Don’t worry buttercup, I’ll be okay tomorrow, but we need that essay done.”
With a small period of awkward fidgeting and a few more gulps of coffee, you really got into the swing of things. The bastard actually got you motivated to finish your work.
With cuddles.
After a deceptively long period of time, you had completed your essay. Your fingers felt numb, but it was finally done. Never. Again.
You knew you’d retract that declaration pretty soon, but let yourself have this mini victory.
Eren stuck his chin over your shoulder, confirming that you had, in fact, finished the assignment. With a hum of approval, you handed him the laptop for him to read over. Even if he was tired, he was still conscious enough to correct your essays. That was his willpower, another trait that had you intrigued by him from the beginning. Soon enough, the brunette had handed you back the laptop.
“All good?”
“All good, I’m very proud of you,” he grunted, his voice gravelly from not speaking for a long period of time.
“You sound like a sleepy bear,” you said, checking the time. 4am. It was impressive that you had gotten it done in such a short amount of time, but then again Eren was giving you emotional support. He shifted a little, his eyes blinking slowly.
“Yeah well, you sound like someone who needs to get their work done before making plans.”
Rolling your eyes with a smile, you sunk deeper into his embrace. It was quite comfortable, feeling like a hug from a human heater. It was a nice feeling.
“Thanks, love, I’m glad you helped out.”
“Anytime. Although you should give me credit. How does ‘I’d like to thank my editor and proofreader Eren Jaeger who is the best boyfriend and person of all time’ sound?”
“Now you’re pushing it,” you said, a smirk tugging at your lips at his drowsy smile. A few more minutes of silence passed before you decided it was time to get up.
“Alright, it’s bed time you big doofus.”
“We get to sleep now?” he asked, getting up shortly after you.
“Yes, we get to sleep now.”
With a small cheer from the brunette, you headed to his room. It was a little messy, but in comparison to your room it was spotless. Maybe you could clean your room tomorrow, or is it considered today? Eh, time didn’t really make sense at the moment. Kicking off his slippers, Eren climbed under the covers, clearly exhausted from using the last of his energy to keep you awake and working. Maybe you could clean the house tomorrow just as a thank you. Yeah, that sounded like something that would make him happy.
Soon enough, after doing your nightly routine, you joined him. It was a miracle he hadn’t knocked out yet, but you were grateful. It meant a few last minute mini conversations before drifting to sleep.
“Hey Eren.”
“What is it, buttercup?”
You turned over, cuddling into his arms. His eyes were closed, and despite his thick eyebrows furrowing in confusion at what youwere going to say, he looked as peaceful as ever. You could tell he was on the verge of unconsciousness, but you held the side of his cheek carefully and stroked your thumb across his skin.
“I love you.”
There was a pause, but not a dreadful pause. More of a comfortable silence if anything, but it still sent your stomach into knots. You pondered if he fell asleep before feeling a strong set of arms pull you closer to the warmth of his body. Placing a gentle kiss against your lips, he smiled as he held you close.
“I love you too.”
Soon enough you were both a tangled mess of limbs, heat, and snores. Eren had fell asleep prior to you, not a big surprise there. His face relaxed as his mouth became parted, letting out deep snores. You couldn’t say you were much different, letting out a soft snore or two every time you fell asleep, but you’d definitely make fun of him for it later. Your eyes stay glued to his face, admiring it for as long as possible.
It was until the first rays of sun that you’re eyes finally rolled back, the sound of the brunette’s loud snores lulling you to sleep as his tangled hair tickled your skin. In that moment, you found yourself lost in wishful thinking. You wanted this moment to last forever, for time to stand still for just moment so you could truly appreciate every moment of it.
Just you and Eren, drifting off to sleep with the chirping of birds only now beginning to be heard. It’s been a long night of late work, after all. Some rest was well deserved.