Chapter 18: Hangover
Mikasa POV
The warmth of the tent wrapped around us like a soft embrace, casting a cozy glow on everyone gathered. We'd been welcomed into the camp with genuine smiles and open hearts, and now sat together on a mat, close enough to feel the flickering lantern's gentle warmth.
Eren and I sat side by side, our pinky fingers intertwined—a silent tether in the laughter-filled tent.
"So… what's in your mind now, Eren? I mean, marrying Historia and becoming king… that's kinda big," Connie teased, grinning as he looked at Eren.
Eren glanced down at our entwined fingers and at the ring on my hand, a fleeting sadness crossing his face before he nodded. Oh he looks so cute when he's acting.
"And you're okay with all this…?" Jean's voice was softer, his gaze puzzled as it shifted to me. I felt Eren's pinky give a gentle squeeze, a reminder of the plan, and I quickly masked my happiness with an exaggerated look of sadness.
"Hey, Eren… when you become king, don't forget your dear Sasha and her endless need for meat!" Sasha chimed in, earning laughs from everyone as they teased her, saying she'd need extra training at the rate she was going. Eren's eyes softened as he watched them all, but I could tell something weighed on him, something quiet but heavy.
"Please, mister, have this!" Ramzi, the young boy who had found us earlier, approached Eren, holding out a small round metal can. "What is it?" Eren asked, but the boy only smiled wider, gesturing for him to drink.
Without hesitation, Eren took a deep sip, and soon enough, we realized it was wine. In no time, a rosy flush spread across his cheeks—Eren was drunk.
Smooch
"Uh…" I gasped softly as, without warning, Eren leaned close, his lips brushing my cheek in a warm, unexpected kiss.
Hiccup.
" You're so damn beautiful Mika…?" he murmured, his voice low, hazy with wine.
" Hey what's wrong... why won't you kiss me back… don't you love me?"
Hiccup.
My face turned a deep shade of red, my heart racing. I wanted to return the kiss, but thankfully his soft words blended into the chatter around us, unnoticed.
Even Connie, Sasha and Jean didn't see him kiss me since they were still engrossed in Sasha's meat thing. But then Jean's gaze shifted at me holding Eren upright," Hey Eren you alright."
"Shut up horse face...." I saw a vein pop up on Jean's face but suddenly the boy brought more drinks, and soon everyone was trying it, curious after seeing Eren's gleeful smile.
"Mika…" Eren's voice slurred slightly as he tugged me closer again. "C'mere…" His arms wrapped around me, drawing me in, his expression full of warmth and mischief.
Hiccup.
"Eren..." I whispered, feeling the blush on my cheeks deepen as the warmth of the drink took hold. In an attempt to keep Eren steady, I'd sipped the wine myself—just to "check the taste," or so I told myself. But I knew better.
"Sorry… darling… I was a bit scared that we might get caught... But whatever..." Eren chuckled between hiccups, his voice unsteady, and his eyes full of mischief. "I'll show you how much I love you… c'mere."
With that, I practically launched myself into his arms, my own self-control slipping. Every single person in the tent was caught up in their own drunken haze—even the old man and little Ramzi. Since, Eldia had age restrictions for who could drink so that's why this was our first time getting drunk.
Our laughter turned into a shared daze, and my lips found their way to Eren's cheek, then his jaw, and I felt myself melt against him, all restraint dissolving. But soon, the effects of the wine left Eren completely, thanks to his Titan powers, which seemed to heal him instantly, rejecting anything "dangerous like alcohol."
"Hey, get a hold of yourself, Mikasa…" he murmured, trying to be the rational one. "Someone might notice…"
"Shut up, Yeager…" I muttered, feeling bolder than ever as I grabbed his collar and tightened it in my fist, pulling him closer. "From now on, you're the one listening to me. I'm done taking orders from you…" Hiccup. "I'll show you exactly what you are to me…"
"Mika—" Eren started, but I didn't give him a chance to finish. With a surge of courage, I pressed my lips to his, the kiss fierce and unrestrained.
I lay sprawled on top of Eren, pressing my lips to his in a tipsy, dazed kiss. Around us, the others sang and danced wildly, caught up in the drunken revelry, but for me, all that mattered was the warmth of Eren's breath against mine, the feel of his face close enough to touch.
"Hey, darling… hiccup… let's drink more, shall we?" I whispered, a mischievous glint in my eye. Eren protested softly, but before he could stop me, I took another long sip, letting the wine fill my mouth. Then, without a second thought, I leaned down, pressing my lips to his, passing the taste from me to him.
A trace of wine trickled down, slipping between our lips, leaving a faint red trail as we kissed. Eren just lay there, letting me do as I pleased, his arms holding me steady.
But soon, the world around me began to spin, my vision growing dim, the warmth of his body cradling me as my senses blurred. Eventually, I drifted into a hazy sleep right on top of him, lulled by the soft thump of his heartbeat.