Let this be our prayer

Chapter 4

What if the dreams you were having, and that you considered nightmares, actually memories? What would you think then?

It had only been a couple days since the first dream Eren had. And to be quite honest, he wanted to know more.

Why was he suddenly thrown into that world? And why did Corporal Levi and Squad leader Hanji acknowledge him as Eren Yeager?

There were so many questions in his mind, but he'd have to have another dream before he could get answers.

So, in the meantime whenever there was a good question that popped up into his head, he'd write it down. Every night he read through them all, making sure he didn't forget a single one, and if he had a dream, he could ask the two.

But he was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn't hear his boyfriend calling out to him.

Jean sighed, it seemed like the brunet was in his own little world again. Although, he did feel a bit concerned.

Eren had been acting different as of late and he wondered if it was something he did, something Eren read, a more likely case, or there was something else going on that needed the young man's attention.

"Erebear?" That got him.

The brunet snapped out of his daze and turned to the two toned blonde, "Need something?"

"I was calling you a couple different times. Something wrong?" As his boyfriend, Jean wanted to know if there was anything he could help out with.

"Well, no, nothing's really wrong per say. More so I've just been thinking about something." Something was kind of an understatement.

"Oh yeah?" The blonde slid closer to the other, "What about?"

Eren looked at him, "You won't think I'm weird when I tell you?"

Jean shook his head, "No. You can tell me and I won't judge."

"Alright, well, you know how I've been reading that book series, right?"

"Course. What about it?"

The brunet seemed a bit reluctant to tell his story, to which the other young man picked up on.

"Come on, Eren. You know you can tell me anything and I'll help you." He wrapped an arm around Eren's shoulders.

That was certainly true. The brunet knew that his boyfriend had helped him out countless times before, and he was still willing to help him out now.

He took a deep breath before continuing, "Well, ever since Armin introduced me to the series, I feel like I have talked to these people before."

Jean raised a brow, "How? You know that's not possible. This book is nothing but a legend." Okay, so maybe he and Armin did some research on the book series Eren was really interested in one lunch period.

"I know it's not really possible, but I had a dream a couple nights ago."

"I hope it wasn't a wet dream about the corporal."

Eren blushed heavily, "No, no, it wasn't about that. Jean, they were actually talking with me. I was learning about events that aren't in the story."

"You sure? You could have just been having a random dream with them, and the information was actually things you wanted to add."

His response was understandable, nor did Eren get offended. He was after all creating a spinoff to the series.

"Now that you bring it up like that, maybe." But something in the brunet was screaming at him to continue to believe on in his theory that they were actually trying to talk to him.

Eren wasn't sure why he had these dreams. Was there some lesson that he just wasn't getting? Or was there something more?

"Eren?"

"Yeah?"

"You alright? I didn't offend you, did I?" He gently took a hold of the brunet's hand.

"No. You're fine." He squeezed the blonde's hand in reassurance.

Even though they did move on to talking about other things, his mind still lingered on the thought about talking with the Corporal when his next dream happened.

Throughout his life, Eren only had one person he could realistically talk about anything and everything to. His younger cousin, Isabel.

Sure, you can look at the red head and assume that she wouldn't really understand something like this. But she was the most understanding person that he had ever met.

Isabel was someone who didn't judge you when you wanted to talk about something. If she wanted to judge, she always had a reason to back up her motives.

Eren always talked to her about any problems he had when growing up. Even though she was two years younger than him, she was fucking smart, a great listener too.

The brunet was sitting in his living room alone, his parents out of town for the weekend for some medical convention that they were invited to, and he was simply waiting for Isabel to come over.

Since he and Jean talked about the weird dream he had, Eren felt like he would be having another one real soon. Don't ask him how he knows, he just, kind of does.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, letting him know he had a message. Taking it out, he saw it was from Isabel.

'I'm here. Open the door.'

Getting up from his spot, pocketing his phone, he went over and opened his door, seeing his smiling cousin standing there.

Eren smiled, stepping to the side, "Come on in, Bella."

"Thanks, Eren." She walked into the house, taking her shoes off.

The two walked into the living room, sitting down on the couch. Isabel leaned against the arm rest, her legs crossed on the couch, and looking at her older cousin, "So, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about a dream I had."

She nodded, "Go on."

Eren sighed softly, "Ever since Armin showed me that book series, I felt a real connection to the characters inside the book. Almost like, I knew them at one point. But, that's impossible. How could I already know them when I barely started reading the books?"

"Maybe they're like people you know? Characters often reflect real people. Maybe they just remind you of people you talk or talked to."

Her suggestion wasn't bad. But he felt like there was something more.

"No, Bella, you don't understand. I talked with them. They acknowledged everything I had to say. They saw when I freaked out being called someone else and not for who I was."

The red head slowly nodded, "And who were they mistaking you for?"

"In the story, the main character has a name that's very close to mine."

"What's his name?"

"Eren Yeager."

"Jeez, you aren't kidding. You literally only need to change the first letter of your last name and it's you."

The brunet nodded, "Right. But here's the thing, they acknowledged me as Eren Yeager, not Eren Jeager. They kept telling me that we were now criminals, how I need to change into a titan, and how everyone else who was there was depending on me. Isabel, they tried to tell me all those responsibilities, who are Eren Yeager's, and make them into mine. There's such a harsh different between us, Bella. He's confident, determined, brave, reckless, and stubborn, literally nothing like me. I'm quiet, demure, reserved, and not strong. I know we might happen to look the same, but we're nothing alike."

Isabel stared at her distressed cousin. Just like Jean, she also looked up who Eren Yeager was. He was literally a hero who was still at the same time a child. He was driven with revenge and justice. The things he did, it almost seemed unreal what he did.

But she understood why they were mistaken for each other. They looked identical. But keep in mind, even if the looks might be the same, the personalities harshly contrast.

While Eren Yeager did the unbelievable, Eren Jeager knew his limits. That's one of the main reasons she liked her cousin a lot. He knew his limits, and didn't try and push himself when he couldn't anymore. Eren Yeager might be a hero for saving humanity, but Eren Jeager is also a hero for unknowingly saving people's lives with his stories. In their own ways, they're both left an impact.

"Eren, I like how you can tell the difference right away. And I like how you know what kind of person you are. With the next dream you have, you tell those two morons who you really are. Even though you look like Eren Yeager, you are not him. You will never be. You are Eren Jeager, a young aspiring author. If they don't listen, their loss. Because they'll be missing out on meeting an amazing person."

The brunet's eyes widened, "Wait, you believe me?" His voice was filled with disbelief.

"Of course. I know you, Eren. You're not someone who will make up a random lie to get attention. You've been that way since we met. Why should now be any different?"

Another reason he liked Isabel; she believed his word no matter what.

"J-Just, my story seems so different. Especially since I'm a writer, people would think this is simply a plot bunny I'm working on."

"Did Jean believe you?"

"He seemed skeptic on it. He thought maybe my dream involved events that I thought should be in the books."

"Well, I can't say for sure what your dream was really about. It could be something you want to happen in a book, maybe for your spin off story, but if you truly believe that those characters were communicating with you, then I'll take your word for it."

Eren smiled, "Thanks so much, Bella. I knew I could count on you."

Isabel smiled back at him, "Sure, Eren. You know I'm more than glad to help out."

"So, getting off from my dream, how have you been, red?" The brunet leaned back to rest on the arm rest.

"Been doing well. I met someone who has become a good friend of mine."

"Oh yeah? Who is it?"

"His name is Farlan Church."

While Isabel continued to go on about her new male blonde friend, Eren froze at the mention of his name.

His character in his spin off, a choice with no regrets, was named Farlan Church. Did this person have some sort of connection to the character in the book? The blonde was mentioned several times throughout the original series, or could it simply be a coincidence?

No, no, Eren. He mentally scolded himself. He was more than likely overthinking things again. Instead, he turned all his attention to his cousin.

"Eren, you should talk to him with me sometime. He's really amazing. He's so polite and great listener, ugh, he's just everything a friend should be."

The brunet grinned, "Isabel, it sounds more like you have a crush on your friend."

She blushed heavily, "What?! No I don't!" She totally did.

"Come on, Bella, admit it. This guy sounds pretty great for you. He respects you, thinks you're funny, cute, smart, special, I mean, what's not to love about him?"

Isabel shyly wrung her hands together, "W-Well, I guess you're right."

"Course I am. So, what else do you know about him?" Eren leaned forward, now very interested in learning more about the male that captured his cousin's interest.

"Well, I know he lives in Seattle."

"That's not too far away from us here in California."

The red head nodded, "He told me he has an older brother whose twenty five years old, a sister who is eighteen, and soon to graduate. Farlan is seventeen like me, still a year of high school to go. He said he lives with his brother, and his sister lives with their parents."

Eren raised a brow, "Why does he live with his brother and not his parents? They have a falling out or something?"

"No. Farlan just said when his brother went away to university he missed him a lot. So, when he came back, he asked to live with his brother in his new house. Since their parents thought they were both responsible enough, they let them live together."

Ah, now that made more sense.

"How long have you known him?"

Isabel tapped her chin in thought, "Hmm, a little over five months now."

"And I'm barely hearing about him now?"

"Well, you're busy with your own relationship, writing, school, and this was something nice that Farlan and I could share alone."

"Makes sense. Just no web camera sex."

"Eren!"

A couple hours after Isabel left, red and making sure that he and Farlan would chat sometime soon, the brunet was left all alone.

He was in the lounge room upstairs, laying across the couch, back propped up on the arm rest, and legs comfortable stretched out, coffee mug on the table to his left, and relaxing, sad music in the background for inspiration.

Eren had managed to get a lot written for his essays, completing three of them, and now working on a choice with no regrets.

After seeing Isabel, Eren decided to use some of his cousin's personality, and transfer it over to the character in his story. Oddly enough, she too was named Isabel Magnolia.

Typing away, the brunet soon lost himself in the music and let his emotions take over and pour into the story.

The young man sighed when he hit a stopping point. This is how it normally went. He came up with amazing description and dialogue, and now, he's stuck.

But that's fine. Eren tended to write his best work when inspired and not forcing the words to come out.

Closing his laptop and setting it on the coffee table, the brunet laid down fully on the couch, tugged on the blanket that was on the side, covering himself, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

"Brat, how many fucking times do I have to wake you up like this?"

The brunet snapped out of his sleepy daze at the sound of his captain's irritated voice. He slowly opened one eye, seeing the raven scowling down at him.

"Get up. We have things we need accomplished today. And before you ask, we're not having you shift today. After your refusal at shifting the other day, Hanji and I thought it would be good to collect yourself mentally before attempting this again. Now get dressed. Meet me in the kitchen when you're finished." The captain then turned around and took his leave.

Eren laid in bed for another two minutes, before getting up and dressing. He knows he would pay for it if he kept the raven waiting too long.

"Now, I want you to help assist me in making today's meals. I want you to carefully, and I do mean carefully, peel all the vegetables. I'll take care of the rest. I'll set aside the vegetables I need for the meal. You peel them by the time I need them all, understood?"

The captain was in a simple white shirt and black pants, white gloves on his hands, he sure as hell didn't want to touch the raw meat they had, and an apron tied around his waist to avoid dirtying his clothing.

Eren nodded, "Of course, sir." He watched as the raven grabbed the vegetables needed and began carefully peeling them.

Levi was busy getting all the pots and pans set out, making sure he double checked all the ingredients.

"Sir?"

"Hmm?" The captain had a small paper in his hands, checking off each ingredient as he went.

"Where are the others?"

"They went out training with shit for brains. Apparently, they can't handle it when I'm in charge. So, I left that moron to go out and train all those brats." He began pouring water into the pot.

Eren nodded as he went back to the task at hand.

The captain and subordinate had just barely finished setting the table up when the rest of the 104th came into the cabin.

Sasha, the always hungry brunette, made a beeline for the food on the table.

Levi, having none of it, told the girl to wash up first. He wouldn't have her fucking filthy hands all over the food everyone was going to eat. The order went towards everyone.

When everyone had met the captain's expectations of cleanliness, they were allowed to eat.

Much later in the day, the others had been sent off to bed. Eren remained in the kitchen with the corporal, both nursing a lukewarm cup of tea.

"What was it you wanted to discuss, sir?" For some reason, the formality left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"I wanted to talk with you about the reason why you seem so rigid around everyone." The raven had been paying attention to the young man the entire time, and throughout most of the day, he avoided his comrades like the plague.

Now, Eren knew the captain wouldn't take bullshit answers. If you dared to try and give him one, he'd make you pay for it. So what was the only thing he could do? Tell the truth.

"Sir, if I'm to be completely honest, I'm not quite familiar with absolutely everyone."

This caught the captain's interest, "What the hell do you mean you're not familiar with everyone?" How the hell could Eren not remember everyone he graduated with?

"Well, sir, I'm not sure how to explain it."

"Then try. Now."

If there was one way to, then he'd go with Isabel's advice.

The brunet took a deep breath, "Captain. As I've said before, I'm not Eren Yeager. I am a university student who is trying to earn a degree in writing. I'm not the same confident solider that you know, hell, I never was. I don't know a lot about Eren Yeager besides what the books have been telling me. But I am not him, sir. You have to understand that."

Corporal Levi sat quietly in front of the young man, Eren not really expecting him to remain so quiet.

"U-Um, sir?"

"Say, Eren, do you believe in reincarnation?" The captain sipped his tea in the peculiar manner of his. Watching as his subordinate hesitated to answer for a moment.

Eren cleared his throat, "I've heard of the topic being talked about countless times within stories or supposed claims, but I myself don't really have a firm belief in it." The brunet picked up his tea, taking a drink from the lukewarm beverage.

"Everyone has a past life, brat. Whether we know it or not. At one point, we were someone different. I'm a person who believes it does exist." He suddenly got up, quickly getting his gear on.

The captain turned to his subordinate, "Come with me. Be sure not to make a lot of noise." He opened the door and walked outside.

Eren got up and went after his captain. "What are we doing out here, sir?" They were on their makeshift training grounds.

"We're here because I want to continue the conversation here. The others would interfere if we kept talking in the kitchen. I don't need Ackerman interrupting us again." Levi was casually cleaning one of his blades, making Eren feel on edge.

"A-Alright. What was it you wanted to say about reincarnation?" The brunet was eyeing the blade his captain was cleaning.

"As I said, everyone has a past life, and people can eventually come back in another time era. You know, Eren, I want to be reincarnated into another time."

"You do, sir?"

"Of course, brat. I want to be born into a time where we don't have to fight for our lives, taking down creatures, and being treated like criminals. I want a clean slate."

Eren slowly nodded, taking in the man's words, "I'm sure everyone here wants to live a normal life. We all want something simple."

"Say, Eren. I want you to do something for me." Levi put the cloth away, staring at the brunet.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"I want you to bite the junction between your index finger and thumb on your left hand."

"May I ask why?" He did begin to feel like he should immediately follow the order. Not because it was coming from his superior, but it was more like an instinct.

"Just do it for me, Eren." The raven watched his charge carefully.

The brunet lifted up his hand to his mouth, gently biting down.

"You'll have to do it harder than that." He took several steps closer, making Eren visibly nervous.

Eren kept biting down harder until he tasted the metallic taste of his own blood. The young man's hand was covered in bite marks, little bits of blood around his mouth.

"S-Sir, I can't." His head began to feel light.

The captain walked up the brunet, taking his face in his hands, shocking his charge with pulling him down for a kiss.

Levi pulled back, "If you cannot do it purely on order, do it for me, Eren."

Eren's green eyes widened. Do it…for Levi?

"If you cannot shift purely because of an order, do it for me. We know you shift when you have a goal in mind. Do this to make me…happy, Eren."

Corporal will be happy if he does this? His head began throbbing more.

"Eren, if you are truly reincarnated like you constantly say you are, then know this. In this life, the next, and all the others, you are mine. You are my lover. I'm the only one that can ever satisfy you. Anyone else, male or female, will never be able to make you happy like I can. You'll only ever be mine. You're mine and mine alone. I will find you Eren, and I will have you back in my arms again. Know that." The captain had a determined glint in his gunmetal eyes.

The brunet felt his cheeks get hot, feeling his body slump down. He rather enjoyed the feeling of his captain's arms around him.

It felt so nice, that his world went black.

When he awoke from his dream in the morning. He thought all was normal.

His laptop was still on the coffee table by the mug where he left them last night, the music still playing quietly in the background, and every single one of their belongings where they were left.

Eren did truly think everything was normal and he was in the modern era. Yes, he truly did think that.

Only to stare at the same bite marks on his hand that he left in his dream.

End of chapter 4.

This is quickly becoming my personal favorite story.