4. Epilogue – The Confession

After their nightly encounter Rivaille kept his distance from Eren. He didn't look at him and didn't speak with him. It was just like Rivaille was ignoring the boy, pretending nothing happened during the night watch. This bothered Eren a lot. Had he done something wrong? Did the corporal didn't like it? After their night together Eren was the happiest person on earth, but now he didn't know what to think or to feel.

Eren was busy with his training session, when Armin came to him, a note in his hands.

"Eren, I was ordered to deliver this message to you."

Eren stared at the sheet of paper- it was from Rivaille. Meet me after dinner in my room, Rivaille., was written there. Eren noticed that he stared at the text for quite a while and that Armin was waiting for a response.

"Thank you, Armin." With a confused look Armin left.

During the whole afternoon and dinner Eren wasn't able to think straight or act normal. His thoughts were only revolving around the corporal. Why did he want to see him after the long time of ignorance? Maybe Eren had done something wrong after all. The eating hall was crowded with people this evening and Eren was thankful for that. So, nobody noticed Eren's silence and inattention.

As the time came to meet Rivaille, Eren was so nervous that his whole body trembled and his stomach hurt. When he arrived at the corporal's room Eren hesitantly knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Hearing Rivaille's voice after the time of silence sent shivers through Eren's body.

Carefully the boy opened the door. Rivaille was standing before his desk, waiting that Eren came in.

"You may have wondered why I haven't talk to you, until now. I'm sorry for that. I had to sort a few things out for myself…" Rivaille made a pause, as if he was not sure how to go on with his speech. "You said you love me. Why would you say that? How can you be sure that you love me?"

This question was not what Eren had expected to hear, but now was the chance to tell the corporal how he felt. This was the moment he had waited for and therefore Eren chose his words carefully.

"Ever since I saw you I admired you. In my eyes you are the strongest human and the symbol of freedom. I was so happy when you accepted my in the Scouting Legion." Eren had a light smile in his face at this memory. Up until now, the boy hadn't look in Rivaille's face. But this time he lifted his head from the floor and looked the older man into his eyes. Slowly Eren moved closer and took the corporal's hands into his own.

"You may act like you don't care about anything, but I know you do. With these hands you killed countless titans and yet they held me so gently. I know you would do everything for your comrades. And there are more reasons for me because I love you. I offer my heart to you."

After his talk a wave of embarrassment rolled over Eren. Breathless he waited for a response.

"Listen, brat. I will only say this once… I love you."

Eren couldn't believe his ears. He had dreamed about the corporal confessing his love to him and now this really happened. Eren felt hands in his neck pressing him down to meet Rivaille's lips. The kiss was not hot and fierce, like the ones the other night. This kiss was soft and lovingly, like a promise. When they parted Rivaille grabbed a box, which was standing on his desk. Inside there was a key.

"This is the key to my room. Don't lose it."

"I won't. Thank you, Corporal."

"It's Rivaille for you."

end

That's it! I wanted to end this story in a romantic/fluffy way and that's the result.

I want to thank all readers, reviewers and people who liked my story! I love you all!

bye bye! See you in my next fic!