Shelter from the Rain Vol. 11 Erwin Smith

Just as Erwin Smith got out of his one-man carriage after his meeting with his supporters, rain began to fall from the grey skies. The Survey Corps barracks were right ahead of him, but the rain grew intense in no time at all. He instinctively hid under the closest roof.

“…That was a failure.”

The Commander’s bolo tie swung as he wiped the water off of his drenched chest. When he did this, a vision of the past crossed the back of his mind, mixed with the sound of the rain.

“Commander… Please, Commander, help me…”

A self-deprecating smirk came to the edge of Erwin’s mouth as he looked at the large drops of water rolling off the roof and splashing against the ground.

So even getting drenched all alone like this is what I deserve…

*******

Rain is not a great thing.

Plans go haywire when it rains during an expedition. While some Titans don’t move as efficiently, perhaps because there’s less sunlight, others are fine, making it difficult to predict what might happen. In the past, Erwin had put his emotions aside and sacrificed Corpsmen in order to get past such Titans.

…I wonder how many men and women I’ve fed to them.

The wind, chilled with rain, shook his blond hair.

It was all to accomplish our goals… That’s how I’ve rationalized it.

******

“Commander… I believe in you… Commander…”

Erwin couldn’t stop hearing the voice. Could it have been because of the strong rain? The voice belonged to a nondescript soldier who had died in front of his eyes on a day like this one.

You…believe in me?

…But the soldier wasn’t unknown to Erwin. He knew the soldier’s name, his story, everything.

Erwin truly believed in every single member of the Corps. He even thought of them as family. And yet…

I don’t think…that I deserve their heartfelt trust. Because it’s their trust in me that I’ve used to make them throw away their lives…

This line of thought meant that Erwin would always be isolated and alone for as long as he led the Survey Corps. He pushed these feelings of desolation back into his heart and shiok his head.

But that’s just…another part of my fate.

******

“Heeey, Erwin!”

The wild shout brought Erwin back to his senses.

“So that’s where you were!”

When he faced the voice, he noticed a number of familiar shapes running toward him through the weakening rain.

“We were looking for you!”

“We thought this rain might’ve held you up…”

Hange waved at him so hard it seemed they might shake off their rain gear. Next to Hange was Levi, clicking his tongue.

“It’s time for the officers’ meeting,” Mike said briefly with a snort. Erwin voiced his surprise as he looked at the three.

“You came out here just to look for me? You could’ve left it to your troops…”

“I knew you’d probably be acting all sentimental since it’s this damp out. You wanted me to let some drop-outs see your pathetic face looking like that?”

“What he means is that we came here because we were worried about you, Erwin!”

Erwin was casually passed some rain gear, and he felt something as he took it–something pure and strong–true bonds.

“Sorry… That’s very helpful if you.”

He put on the rain gear and began heading to the barracks with the other three.

You really did…help me out.

The day may come, he thought, when he would have to throw away even these bonds. But they would surely trust Erwin in their final moments.

As the now-gentle rain dripped down on Erwin, he showed a genuine smile.

SOURCE:Attack on Titan: Short Stories

Shelter from the Rain Vol. 06 Nanaba & Hange Zöe

A cold rain had been falling since morning.

The longer a Survey Corps member manages to serve, the more paperwork they’re expected to do. Nanaba had to suppress a sigh when she looked at the stacks of paper in front of her.

Erwin and Mike are doing even more work than this. I need to get it together.

Nanaba was a veteran member of the Survey Corps, having served for over five years. Beyond the windowpanes of her office, cloudy from the temperature difference between the room and the rain-chilled world outside of it, Nanaba noticed a familiar shape staggering about and stood in shock.

“…Hange?!”

******

“You decided to go on a walk to refresh yourself? Without any rain gear at all?”

“Well, my samples weren’t showing much of a reaction today… It’s too bad, they’re so cute.”

Hange wasn’t on a walk so much as Hange was reeling back and forth like a corpse that had just crawled out of the grave. Nanaba had caught Hange and was drying Hange off.

While Nanaba was not normally in the kind of position where she’d be looking out for Hange, the two veterans were on good terms with one another. A special kind of bond was born between soldiers just through the act of going beyond the Walls and making it back alive.

“…Honestly. You’re suppose to be a squad leader, right? You’re not going to be much of a model leader if you’re wandering around soaking wet in the rain.”

“Squad leader, huh… Yeah, I guess I am a squad leader.”

Hange got rid of the clothing being used to wipe their head, revealing hair that was even messier than usual. Hange’s head almost seemed to be drooping.

******

“Aren’t you being awfully emotional?”

“Yeah… Maybe a little.” Hange returned the wet cloth used to wipe down their body to Nanaba before walking to the window. “Making it up the ranks of the Survey Corps shows just how long you’ve survived, right?”

“Yes… That’s right,” Nanaba said, not understanding Hange’s point and furrowing her brow. Hange only turned their back to her and followed the drops of water flowing outside the window with their eyes.

“In other words, we have these positions thanks to the deaths of many of our fellow soldiers. When I act as a squad leader…sometimes I start to think about these kinds of things.”

“…That’s true.” The drops rolling down the window looked like tears coming from Hange’s eyes, though their face was hidden behind glasses. Seeing this, Nanaba stood up straight. “Of course it is. But…that’s exactly why there’s something we veterans need to do.”

“Huh?”

“For the sake of our fallen allies, too… Veterans need to properly lead the young soldiers. So that we can prevent any more meaningless deaths, at least,” Nanaba bravely said, smacking Hange on the back.

******

“Which is why, Hange, you shouldn’t do anything that makes you look pathetic. Even if we are inside the Walls. You’ll worry the soldiers in the Fourth Squad, and you’ll even worry the others a little bit.”

“…You’re right.”

Hange took off their glasses and wipe them with a sleeve. They put them on again and looked back toward Nanaba with the same curiosity-filled face as always.

“Maybe I was acting a little down. I’ll get straight back to research. Data on Titans in the rain is valuable, too!”

“Hey! You should at least put on some rain gear!”

Hange leaped out of the room and ran off to the far side of the hallway. Perhaps they weren’t listening to what Nanaba had to say.

So that’s where a veteran stands, huh. On top of the deaths of many others.

Nanaba closed the door and digested Hange’s words.

The same goes for me… I need to get it together, too. So that I can prove that their deaths and my survival weren’t all for nothing.

Nanaba nodded slightly as the endless rain beat down on the roof and window before getting back to work.

SOURCE:Attack on Titan: Short Stories

Shelter from the Rain Vol. 03 Mike Zacharias & Gelgar

The sprinkling rain turned to a white fog that filled the forest.

“We might as well not have our horses and our Vertical Maneuvering Equipment in this weather. Wouldn’t you agree, Squad Leader?”

While the two were outside the Walls that protected humanity from its natural enemy of the Titans, the two felt relatively safe in the Forest of Giant Trees. The Survey Corpsmen were stopped on the high branches of one of the many trees now covered in fog, out of any Titan’s reach.

“That’s why the Commander gave the order to take a short break,” Mike said. He sniffed the air, then called out to the other soldier. “Gelgar.”

“Yes?”

“One in your right inside breast pocket, another one on your left back pocket.”

Gelgar looked back at him, startled.

“…You’re carrying them, aren’t you?”

“…Yes.”

******

No regular sense of smell would have been able to notice them between the aroma emitted by the damp trees and the metallic stench that came off the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment attached to their bodies, but Mike discovered them easily. They hadn’t even been uncapped.

“I’ll throw them away at once.”

“No…”

Gelgar’s hands, now stuck in his pockets, were up against miniature bottles of his perpetual favorite–alcohol. It goes without saying that these were not normally something a soldier should be carrying during an expedition beyond the Walls.

“That’s what gives you the strength to fight, right?”

“…I’m just using it to run away.”

“No… I don’t think so,” Mike said, resting against the trunk of the tree as he looked at Gelgar. “You’re not running. You’ve been fighting valiantly.”

“I’ve managed to somehow, thanks to the alcohol.”

“Bravery comes in different forms for different people,” the normally reserved Mike said in a calm tone. “Everyone depends on something in order to fight. That something just happens to be alcohol in your case.”

Mike’s words were embued with his belief that to snatch alcohol from Gelgar now would be no different from snatching the beliefs from a soldier who depends on faith to fight. Mike continued, “So I’m not going to treat you as if you’ve done anything wrong.”

I know that argument doesn’t hold up. But…

The corpsmen risk their lives as they leap head-first into the heart of humanity’s enemies. As someone who had survived one hell after another over his many years, Mike did not believe that theirs was a job that could be performed on belief and ideals alone. It made Gelgar stand up straight to learn that Mike, someone seen as special, even among the other personalities in the Survey Corps’s leadership, was willing to acknowledge that they were all human.

“…I’ll do my best, sir.”

“Heh,” Mike chuckled out of what might have been embarrassment. Even he seemed to think that he was talking too much.

******

The fog soon subsided, and the two vacantly looked out around them.

A flash of light and the sound of an acoustic shell tore through the mist.

“There’s the signal. Move forward.”

“Yes, sir!”

Gelgar swooped down to his horse with newfound trust in the officer he followed behind.

SOURCE:Attack on Titan: Short Stories

Good Night, Dear and Sweet Dreams (Goodnight. Sweet dreams, dear)

It was once said the dreams are a mirror of one’s heart. Perhaps dreams are a respite that allow one to forget their cruel and brutal day, or they might be an abyss even harsher than reality… What will tonight’s rest bring?

• Vol. 01 Sasha Blouse
• Vol. 02 Levi
• Vol. 03 Bertolt Hoover
• Vol. 04 Armin Arlert
• Vol. 05 Hange Zöe
• Vol. 06 Marco Bott
• Vol. 07 Annie Leonhart
• Vol. 08 Jean Kirstein
• Vol. 09 Moblit Berner
• Vol. 10 Mikasa Ackerman
• Vol. 11 Connie Springer
• Vol. 12 Reiner Braun
• Vol. 13 Carla Yeager
• Vol. 14 Ymir
• Vol. 15 Eren Yeager

******

Good Night, Dear and Sweet Dreams series is published in the Attack on Titan: Short Stories booklet that was included in the Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1 Manga Box Set[BUY HERE]

The Following Stories under the same series had also been published on the AU Smartpass Website[LINK ] but not included in the Booklet

• Nile Dok
• Oluo Bozado
• Hannes
• Erwin Smith
• Krista Lenz
• Mike Zacharias
• Keith Shadis

Shingeki no Kyojin: Short Stories 4

Taking Shelter from the Rain Reprise

• Vol. 01 Erwin Smith & Sasha Blouse
• Vol. 02 Historia Reiss & Mikasa Ackerman
• Vol. 03 Nile Dok & Hitch Dreyse
• Vol. 04 Hange Zöe & Jean Kirstein
• Vol. 05 Levi & Peaure

••••••

Goodnight. Sweet dreams, dear Act II

• Vol. 01 Jean Kirstein
• Vol. 02 Mikasa Ackerman
• Vol. 03 Reiner Braun
• Vol. 04 Levi
• Vol. 05 Armin Arlert

••••••

My First Time Around

• Vol. 01 Bertolt Hoover
• Vol. 02 Moblit Berner
• Vol. 03 Nile Dok
• Vol. 04 Connie Springer
• Vol. 05 Mike Zacharias
• Vol. 06 Reiner Braun
• Vol. 07 Ymir
• Vol. 08 Jean Kirstein
• Vol. 09 Mikasa Ackerman
• Vol. 10 Hange Zöe
• Vol. 11 Sasha Blouse
• Vol. 12 Levi
• Vol. 13 Armin Arlert
• Vol. 14 Historia Reiss
• Vol. 15 Marco Bott
• Vol. 16 Annie Leonhart
• Vol. 17 Eren Yeager

••••••

Credits to @yusenki,@tsuki-no-uraand@nenithil for translating some of the stories and uploading them online. (ᗒᗨᗕ)

This Idiot finally gave in and browse their copy of Shingeki no Kyojin: Short Stories 3 to confirm the AU Smartpass Stories published inside it!

Ps:Can’t read Japanese, so matched names to website listing via Japanese Characters Shape, so dun expect me to translate the story till Kodansha USA release it in English! (シ_ _)シ

Pss:Thank you @tsuki-no-ura,@yusenki,@nenithiland@sapewloth for translating and uploading some of the stories, and @momtaku for proper translation of some of the titles.

••••••

Shingeki no Kyojin: Short Stories 3

TEXT

• Vol. 01 Erwin’s Letter
• Vol. 02 Eren’s Notes
• Vol. 03 Nick’s Instructional Notes
• Vol. 04 Connie’s Battle Plan
• Vol. 05 Jean’s Textbook
• Vol. 06 Nifa’s Coaster
• Vol. 07 Sasha’s Card
• Vol. 08 Bertolt’s Answer Sheet
• Vol. 09 Keith’s Gradebook
• Vol. 10 Hange’s Invoice
• Vol. 11 Reiner’s Bookmark
• Vol. 12 Ymir’s Proceedings
• Vol. 13 Marlowe’s Patrol Record
• Vol. 14 Historia’s Oath
• Vol. 15 Marco’s Diary
• Vol. 16 Annie’s Military Police Book
• Vol. 17 Uri’s Gospel
• Vol. 18 Levi’s Signature
• Vol. 19 Armin’s Sketch Book
• Vol. 20 Mike’s Game Record
• Vol. 21 Rico’s Report
• Vol. 22 How to write Frieda
• Vol. 23 Mikasa’s Recipe [ Summary]

••••••

Some Stories of Determination

• Vol. 01 Eren Yeager
• Vol. 02 Jean Kirstein
• Vol. 03 Hange Zoe
• Vol. 04 Sasha Blouse

“Guess this is the result. Of all of your devoted hearts.”

Attack on Titan #139 // Levi’s final salute

• Although Mike is pretty quiet, he’s also rather observant so i don’t see him making a move on you until he’s sure you like him back 
• Can he smell your crush on him? Who knows! This man doesn’t miss a thing and probably figures out your feelings before you do
• Even if he knows his feelings are returned, it’s still gonna take a while before Mike approaches you about them
• It’s less to do with fear and more to do with his split loyalties. How can he give you all you deserve while still remaining loyal to the Scouts?
• 100% asks Erwin for advice. They share almost everything with each other and of course Erwin encourages him to be happy
• The next hurdle for Mike is timing. When he confesses to you, he wants to make it special, intimate and romantic
• It’s not the kind of thing you do directly after training when you’re hot and stressed or right before dinner when you’re hungry. 
• So he picks his moment carefully, a time when you’re both alone with no where to be and have the relative privacy not to be overheard
• Mike is a person of action rather than words so don’t expect him to say more than he needs to if he’s confessing
• The way i see it happening is you just chattering away until you catch Mike staring at you. He won’t really say much when you ask him what’s wrong and will just lean down and kiss you. Slowly, so you have time to pull away if this isn’t what you want 
• And then he’ll say something like “Does that answer your question?”
• Maybe i should do a fic on this…
• Although he’s man of few words, Mike will still take the time to set the record straight if you reciprocate
• He lays all his cards on the table, telling you he loves you and wants a relationship - not a casual fling
• Ultimately, he comes clean with how he feels and leaves it up to you to decide how to proceed - and honestly i can’t think of a single reason for you to say no

• Mike is taller than literally everyone so it comes as no surprise when he’s a good measure taller than you too 
• Because he’s used to it, it doesn’t really effect your relationship too much, although it can make some things a little more difficult 
• There are times though, when you can really appreciate the height difference and love it for what it is
• Mike has an annoying tendency of picking you up from under your arms and swinging you about like a cat when he wants attention 
• Honestly, the way he can manhandle you so easily should be hot - and it would be if not done purposely to annoy you 
• Sex can be difficult with a large height difference so it takes some experimentation for the two of you to find positions that work with Mike’s absurdly large frame 
• Do you have a size kink or just a Mike kink? You’re not sure 
• He generally enjoys having you on his lap, especially relaxing in the evenings. Although you probably wouldn’t get in the way too much if you sat on him while he worked 
• If you get all cuddly with him, Mike honestly just melts. He’s a sucker for your affection and coming from someone so cute? Consider the man dead 
• He likes just resting his head against yours and finds it very relaxing
• Sleeping is also an interesting occurrence with all those long limbs. Mike will easily wrap himself around you like some beefy octopus
• He’s also unfortunately rather heavy so has to keep constant tabs on where he rests his weight and how much force he uses with you 
• Sometimes he just plops himself down on you so you can barely breathe, it’s his way of asking for affection 

i miss the vets so much!

Captain Levi,

I often wonder, just how many nights have you laid awake with visions of blood stained hands and the deafening screams of your comrades? And just how many nights do you plan to spend like this, wide awake and flinching at the slightest of sounds.

I don’t know how you do it but damn, all this pain, all these nights and you still haven’t let your heart turn into something ugly; you always survive no matter if you want to or not and you wear your survival like a badge. You live even though you’ve got no one left to live for. They take it as a fact that even if the whole lot dies there’s one soldier who will survive, he always has, right? He has to. He’s Humanity’s strongest afterall. You walk in the walls and everyone has their eyes on you, what do they see? Strength? Power? Pride? Survival? They feel that you’re invincible, completely bulletproof. God, if they only knew that humanity’s strongest ain’t nothing but a broken broken man who can’t even get a decent nights sleep because of the sheer trauma that never seems to subside. A clean freak who cleans till his hands bleed raw, why though? Is it really as simple as you not liking filth or are you trying to get rid of the crimson from your nightmares? Are you trying to cleanse yourself of all the sins you think you have to atone for? Do you too think like the commander did? Do you wonder if you’ve been locked out of heaven too?

How could you be when you’re one of heavens own? A man with an endless potential and reasoning for evil but a choice to be and do good instead. A kid left on the brink of death and a man who just can’t seem to die. It’s not your choice that you survive when everyone you’ve ever cared for never does but it’s your choice to live with it nevertheless and show how survival, as inescapable as it is, can still be beautiful. And damn if it isn’t a choice with no regrets.

I’ll always always look at you at the depths of my despair, captain. Cause if you can breathe still, then anyone can.

Live long, soldier.

Mike.

I wanted to make them young and still hopeful, freshly promoted, before Levi, before politics, before everything.

Just golden besties.

Gossiping

Thanksgivings with erwin team

Attack on titan : high school

shingeki-no-kierkegaard:

Something I haven’t seen anyone point out yet is how Zakarius is always sniffing people and then smiling

Hanji thinks it’s nothing:

But Zakarius smelled when the Titans were coming…

….and did not smirk

In other words, the smirk meant Zakarius was satisfied with what he sensed. Zakarius never doubted Eren was human.

Spoiler for Season 2!

Having to watch Mike’s death yet again while going through season 2 like:

My skin: broken out

My grades: plummeting

My crops: dead

My depression: weLP ITS ANXIETY NOW

My life: ruined

Hotel?: Trivago

[translation:@yusenki| editing: twitter@braunsofsteel]

This is a compilation of the questions fans asked Isayama about Mike Zacharius from the Q&A and autograph signing in Oita that occurred on March 3rd, 2018.

Surrounding people’s reaction toward Mike’s death:

Q: How did Erwin and Levi react toward Mike’s death (any portrayal/description about), it was necessary, right?

Bakku-san smiled bitterly.

Isayama:We must have been in a hurry and didn’t manage to draw it properly.

Bakku-san: We lost good people pretty early

Source

Isayama on Mike’s last moment:

Quote from Isayama: I aimed for grimness and as the result, either he was cornered until his dignity was trampled or he was forcefully exposed to the side of him that he didn’t want to show. I thought whether that was the cruelest thing and somehow I did it to him.

Source

Isayama on Thomas after Mike’s Squad Perished

Q: Is the fast horse, Thomas, doing fine after the annihilation of Mike’s squad?

A: Thomas died in the middle of series. The Survey Corps only has 9 surviving members.

Source

Translator’s Note: There are various characters named “Thomas” in this series.This Thomas is the soldier who rode on horseback for several hours to bring back news of Wall Rose’s breach to Erwin.  

Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: This information, while sourced and repeated among Japanese fans, comes from both first and second hand accounts of the event and should be taken with this information in mind. SNK editor, Kawakubo Shintaro, advises to not take anything said in the event as “strictly canon” as things may be subject to change. Finally, many of the answers from both Isayama and the questioning fans were done in less formal/more slangy terms.

Cheesy parents

My Superhero

3k words; 10-minute read
A/N: This is for @asahipleaseloveme​​’s Prince Charming collab. I hope this is prince charming enough. Miche definitely seems like a prince, but I never imagined him with someone who fits that ‘damsel in distress’ feeling so I did what I could. I hope you guys like it! And thank you Monica for letting me join! I hope you have a great birthday!

“What are you doing?” You narrowed your eyes as you watched your husband unraveling the garden hose. It was your day off of work as well as his and you had both decided to relax outside, something you never had time for anymore. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect, and you were testing out your new lawn chaises. The only thing that was missing was a pool. A pool you kept begging Miche for.

After only ten minutes of relaxing, he abruptly stood up from his chair and moved to the garden, fiddling around with the hose. You watched as he bent over, his muscles working to pull at something you couldn’t see. It took about a minute when he made a satisfied noise and stood up. You watched as he turned around, holding the garden hose up.

“You know what I’m doing.” He gave you a smile and walked closer.

“Stop.” You sat up quickly, holding your hand up. “We are not doing this again.”

“It’s tradition.” He reminded you, turning the water on and walking closer.

“Can’t you just kiss me at the café?” Hands still up in a defensive pose, you stood from the chair and backed up.

“This is way more fun.” That smug smile was the last thing you saw before he chased you around the house, dowsing you in as much water as he could. Every year it was the same thing. You’d think you would have learned by now, but each year you tricked yourself into thinking he would finally get bored. He never did.

“There are so many things I want to do to you right now.” You said angrily, shaking whatever water you could from your body. It didn’t help, you would have to go inside and change.

“Any of them sexy?” Miche wiggled his eyebrows and pulled you into him.

“Not a single one.” You shook your head and he leaned down to kiss you. You still couldn’t figure out why you loved him so much when he consistently annoyed you as much as he did.

“Oh!” He exclaimed, leaning back. “I almost forgot!”

He stepped back from you and ripped open his button-down shirt to reveal a blue t-shirt with the Superman ‘S’ in the middle. His hands went to his hips and he posed, looking off into the distance.

That was it. That was why. It was things like this that made you love him and even though you were soaked and uncomfortable because of him, you couldn’t help but laugh at how cute he was, your heart fluttering in your chest.

“You’re ridiculous.” You laughed, pushing him playfully before walking into the house to dry off.

“Wait. I need to carry you inside.” He insisted, running up behind you.

“What for?”

“I’m your superhero.”

“Don’t you think you’re taking this too far?” You walked past him into the house.

“Well now wait one second! You called me your superhero!”

“You didn’t even know what you were doing!”

“The hell I didn’t! I saved you then and I will save you now and every year that follows.” He grabbed your hips and hoisted you over his shoulder to carry you in the house.

“Miche! I don’t even need saving right now!” You complained.

“Nonsense.” He continued through the house, moving up the stairs until he set you down on your bed.

“I think you’re misremembering what happened.” You laughed and he laid next to you on the bed.

“I remember exactly what happened.”

“Let’s hear it then. How did you save me?” You turned on your side and faced him, wrapping yourself in the towel he brought you.

“It was five years ago…” He began describing the first time you both met.

You and Miche had met five years earlier. It wasn’t the most traditional way of meeting someone and to be honest, you’d lied to a lot of people on how it actually went down. You and Miche were the only ones that knew exactly what happened. Well, and Zach.

Zach was your ex-boyfriend. He was that really sort of toxic guy that everyone eventually dates and maybe it was fun for a little while, but when the rose-colored glasses finally came off, you were ready for things to be done with him. It took several attempts to actually break things off with him, but of course, after you’d broken up, you got lonely and went back to him. By the time you really, really wanted to end things, you found it was nearly impossible because every argument you made, Zach was convinced you guys would get back together. In his eyes, there wasn’t even a reason to break up at all.

You’d come up with a plan though. If you break up with him in public, he’d have to accept it. Looking back, it was a stupid idea, but you were young and dumb.

It was a Saturday afternoon in a coffee shop that you knew you wouldn’t go to again because it was just too far to frequent. You got there early to sit down and practice your break-up speech. By the time it came to delivering said speech to Zach, you had it down perfectly.

“I really think we’re better off as friends.” You lied. You definitely weren’t going to be friends, but you set your hand on his. Instead of looking sad, he smiled. Weirdo. Why was he smiling? “I hope you understand.”

“I understand.” Zach nodded. “We’re not breaking up.”

“What? I just said we should.”

“You just don’t know, baby.” He took the hand you set on his to comfort him and he started ‘comforting’ you. “We’re made for each other. That’s why we can’t be apart.”

“Zach, it’s really not working out.”

“I disagree.” This was hilarious because for someone who thought you guys were meant to be, he certainly spent a lot of time with other women.

“I don’t think that’s how it works.” This was not going to be as easy as you thought and your mind worked to find a plan b.

“It is. We’re meant to be together. I can’t be without you.” He assured. “And you can’t be without me.”

“I can, Zach. I wantto be.” You explained and an idea popped in your head. “I’ve already moved on.”

“What?” It was his turn to be confused.

“I met someone.” You sighed, trying to sell it to him.

“Who?”

“A person. What does it matter?” Was he really going to argue with you meeting someone new?

“I don’t believe you.” He shook his head and you worried that plan b was going to need a plan c.

“Zach, I…” A tall, blonde man stepped out of the bathroom and walked past your table. “I did meet someone. He’s here now.”

“He’s here?” Zach sat up straighter, looking around the café and you nodded. “Where?”

“I don’t think that matters.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s behind me. The blonde guy.” You were really hoping that the guy you just saw leaving the bathroom wasn’t sitting with another woman or this lie was about to fail. You were sure that Zach wouldn’t try and talk to him, he just needed to see that he existed.

“That guy?” There was a weird tone in his voice and you cringed, thinking that he most definitely must be with a woman as you turned around. A couple booths down, the man sat by himself, looking out the window and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Yeah.” You turned around to face Zach. “That’s him.”

Zach’s face changed and he bit the inside of his cheek as he thought about something. Thinking he was believing you, your heart started beating quickly as you got excited for this whole thing to finally be done.

“I don’t believe you.” He stood up and your eyes went wide. “I’m going to go talk to him.”

“Wait!” You jumped up, having no idea what you were going to do, but knowing you needed to stop him. “I will talk to him first. He might be… uh… upset.”

What had you gotten yourself into now? Thankfully, Zach nodded, but kept his eyes on the guy. You slowly turned around and walked to this guy who was still looking out the window. How were you going to explain this situation to him? It’s not like it was that weird. Other people probably did this all the time. That’s what you kept telling yourself as you stepped next to his booth, quickly sitting across from him as you realized that if you were really dating, sitting across from him would be way more normal than standing next to him.

“Hi.” You whispered, feeling heat rushing to your cheeks. “I’m so sorry, but I need your help.”

His eyes moved to something behind you and you were sure Zach was making his way over which limited the amount of time you had to explain to this man the mess you’d gotten yourself, and now him, into.

“I need you to pretend you’re my boyfriend.” You spoke quickly. “I’m try—”

“Okay.” He nodded and you blinked, confused by how quickly he agreed.

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.” He smiled and you didn’t even get a moment to enjoy his smile before Zach was there and this incredibly agreeable man turned to him. “Who’s this?”

“My boyfriend.” You explained to him without thinking.

“What?” The man looked confused and you realized Zach was supposed to be your ex.

“Ex-boyfriend. Sorry.”

“So this is the new guy?” Zach tried to make himself seem big which would have probably worked since he wasn’t that small of a guy, but when this new man stood up, Zach came up a few inches short.

“Miche.” He held his hand out to Zach. “Nice to meet you.”

“You’re dating my woman?” Zach stepped closer to him.

“I think she might be my woman now.” Miche smiled again and that time you did let yourself admire it. Not a bad choice for a last-minute, fake boyfriend.

“I don’t fucking believe this.” Zach shook his head and you could see that he wanted to say something, but there was nothing for him to say and he set his gaze in your direction. “You… you…”

“I’m sorry, Zach.” You stood up, but he backed up and went in the opposite direction. As soon as he was gone, you turned to Miche. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He checked his phone and sat back down in his booth. “That was your boyfriend?”

“Yeah. It’s taken a lot to actually break up with him.”

“I can tell.”

“Can I get you a coffee or something?” You offered. “For your help.”

“Sure.” He stood up. “I’ve had quite a bit while waiting, but I could use some more.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“Blind date.” You gestured for you to walk towards the counter first. “I don’t think she’s showing up though.”

“Aw, I’m sorry. How long have you been waiting?”

“About three hours.” She shrugged as if it were nothing.

“Three hours!?” Your eyes went wide and your mouth dropped open which made him laugh lightly. “Why don’t you just go home and tell her to maybe try another time?”

“Eh, I don’t have anything else to do.” He didn’t actually even seem bothered by the fact that he was most likely being stood up. Maybe he didn’t realize it. “It’s actually kind of nice that you came over. That was fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yeah, I’ve never been asked to help anyone with a break up.” He flashed you that smile again and you couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’m glad I could provide you some entertainment.” You nodded as you both stepped up to the counter and the barista asked what you wanted.

“What are you drinking?” You turned to him.

“Whatever you like.”

“You want me to pick a drink for you?”

“This is my third drink this morning.” He rubbed the scruff on his chin as he looked at the menu board and back to you. “It honestly doesn’t matter what I get.”

“Okay. Um… flat white with oat milk.” You told the barista and she nodded, typing in the order. Something caught your eye and your gaze moved up to him, seeing that he was smiling. “Is that okay?”

“It’s my favorite.”

“You don’t have to lie.”

“Really. It’s my favorite.” There was something about that smile that had a heat reaching your cheeks until you heard someone yelling your name. Both you and Miche turned to see Zach standing a couple feet away, with shaking fists while taking deep breaths.

“Well fuck.” You sighed. You really didn’t expect the breakup to be easy, but you didn’t think it would be this complicated.

“I can’t be without you.” He complained, walking closer to you.

“Zach, we’re done. Seriously. It wasn’t working out.”

“I need you, baby.”

“Just like you needed all those other women?” You didn’t want to bring this up because Zach constantly denied cheating on you even though you had irrefutable proof. “Look Zach, I’m done. Please just go.”

“I know you still love me.”

“I don’t.” You tried to ignore him as you got more annoyed.

“You’re lying to me.” He pointed. “He’s not even your type.”

“Oh my gosh.” You grabbed the collar of Miche’s shirt and pulled him down into a kiss. It hadn’t even crossed your mind that one, you should have asked him first, and two, how amazing kissing him would be. Your body leaned into his slightly as your lips melted against his and his hands were resting on the counter, but quickly moved to your hips before you pulled away. His eyes stayed closed for a moment before they opened and where you thought his smile was stunning, it was nothing like his eyes. “See, we’re in love.”

“Anyone can kiss someone.” Zach complained, not even really all that annoyed that you had just kissed another man in front of him.

“Seriously Zach! You need to stop.” You turned to look at him.

“Is he going to kiss me too because I have a girlfriend.” Miche asked, turning your face back to him by placing his hands on your chin.

“You do?” You stepped back, nervous that you potentially ruined his relationship by kissing him.

“I thought you were my girlfriend.” He whispered, standing up straight and grabbing your hand.

“I am.” You remembered. “Right. I am.”

“Right.” He nodded and you both faced Zach.

“What is happening?” Zach narrowed his eyes at you, still not quite believing.

“She’s my girlfriend.” Miche gave a dopey grin, kissing the back of your hand as one last selling point.

“You are going to have to leave, Zach.”

“Fuck all of you!” He yelled before walking away.

“God, seriously.” You groaned and looked to Miche. “I’m sorry. This became a way bigger mess than I thought it would be.”

“I don’t mind at all.” He laughed.

“Feeling like a superhero?” You laughed and he smiled with a nod.

Surprisingly, the barista was waiting to finish your order and after telling her your drink order, you went back to the booth. Not even a minute later, the drinks were ready and Miche got up to get them while you took the opportunity to look out the window, wondering if his blond date was going to show up. As bad as it was, you were hoping she wouldn’t.

“Hey bitch.” A voice said and you really had no idea why you turned when you heard it because your name was definitely not ‘bitch’, but the familiar voice had you turning around. Before you could say anything, a full pitcher of cold water was being thrown on you and Zach dropped it, running off to outside of the café, getting in his car and driving off. Miche came back with the drinks and his mouth dropped open.

“What the hell happened?” He quickly ran back to get some napkins to wipe off as much of the water as he could, but you were soaked.

“Zach happened.” You explained. “Though I think he might actually be gone this time.”

“Well, that’s a relief. Are you okay?”

“Not exactly, but… yeah.” You nodded, thinking that since Zach had left, you were actually done with dealing with him. “Yeah. I’m soaked, but I’m okay.”

“At least he’s gone.” Miche agreed, swiping the ice from the table and onto the tray before it melted.

“That’s the only positive thing so far.” You stood up, trying to help him get any that might have fallen on the seat.

“I can see a couple other good things.” His hand rested on your waist and he pulled you back so he could wipe the booth down instead.

“What do you mean? No good can come from this.” You complained, shaking out your soaked shirt, thankful it wasn’t white because that would have really been the icing on the cake.

“Maybe from your perspective.” Miche laughed as he took off his flannel shirt and wrapped it around you. It was an unfamiliar scent, but it was good and warm and you wondered if this was how a hug from him would feel. “Can I take you home?”

“My… m—my home?” You stuttered out.

“I promise I will leave when you ask.” He held his hand up in promise.

“Okay.” You nodded. “Thanks.”

[BACK TO PRESENT]

“All that you proved is that you lied.” You sat up from the bed and moved to the bathroom, ready to shower.

“How did I lie?” He followed, taking off his shirt like he was going to join you. Obviously, he was going to join you and you weren’t going to complain.

“You said you would leave.” You stepped into the shower and waited for him. “You never left.”

“I don’t remember you ever asking me to leave.” He moved inside the shower and closed the door behind him.

“I guess you have a point.” You laughed and Miche grabbed your cheeks, pulling you in for a kiss.

Cover photo by King LiponUnsplash