~(Y/N)~

That morning after breakfast, Erwin, the twins, and I went to the park. Sitting at the bench in front of the playground, the blonde and I watched the kids run around screaming and laughing. They climbed where ever they could on the playset. Still, I couldn't help but feel down.

I mean, I just got cheated on. My soft smile fades as I shift my gaze down to my hands. He promised me that he would never do such a thing but I should know by now Larry no longer cares if he hurts me. But still, I never pictured myself getting a divorce, and only after a couple of years of being married. I shook my head just barely. I'm stupid for thinking he loved me at all.

Erwin must've noticed my expression, because he took my hand into his, gently giving it a squeeze to grab my attention. Meeting his crystal blue eyes, I let out a long sigh. I should consider myself lucky I have friends here. I force a smile his way before looking back at the kids. "(Y/N)... may I ask you something?"

I glance back at him and nod. He squeezes my hand again. "How would you feel if, I asked you to move back in with us?"

I sat there silently for a moment thinking of his question. Logically it would be smart because then I'd be there for the twins and wouldn't have to make the commute. But the other part of my didn't want to intrude again- and I still had to deal with Larry whether he wants a divorce or do therapy- I don't know. "H-how long are you thinking I'd stay?" I wonder.

His knees turn inward, towards mine just barely brushing against one another. "As long as you wanted, I want to make sure you are safe. And I know you and Larry are still married but... if it comes down to a divorce then I..." he stops and quickly averts his gaze to the twins. "I want to make sure you are surrounded by people who will care for you during that time,"

To me, it seemed he was still holding back what he really wanted to say. But then again he always seemed to be doing that. I knew he always cared for me, but a part of me wondered, even before I got married if- maybe Erwin's felt something more. I too then avert my gaze and smile at his words. "Thank you," I whisper.

I had always cared for the blonde, and his children. For a time I did have a crush on him, but at the time we weren't close so I knew he'd reject me. But now, he was beginning to show his true intentions with me. I wasn't sure if I should run with it this soon, especially after what happened yesterday.

Eventually, after the kids had their fun, we all decided to head to the grocery store. I had plans to do it sometime this week since things in the house needed restocking. So, once we had entered Micheal and Rose sat in the cart while Erwin walked with me up and down the different aisles.

When we reached the snacks, the kids went crazy wanting fruit snacks or different chocolate bars. Even Erwin was about to grab then something when I stopped him. "It's not gluten-free, Michael can't have stuff with gluten in it," I remind him.

"Oh, I thought it said-" He stops when he sees me grab the box reading 'Gluten-Free' on it. I couldn't blame him for not knowing what to shop for let alone paying attention to those sorts of things, he was a busy man.

After picking up everything we needed it was time to head home.

~Erwin~

I was close to expressing my feelings this morning but decided against it when I looked into her eyes. Even though she put on a brave face, her eyes told me she was still hurting. Which I completely understood and I didn't want to add more pressure on her at a time like this.

As I pulled up in front of the house, there were multiple boxes left on the pavement just a couple of feet from the front door. Confused, I slowly step out of the car after putting it in the park. I decided to call my assistant to question why the boxes weren't in the guest room.

I turn to look back at the car watching as (Y/N) got the kids out. I'm sure she must've seen the boxes. "Hello," my assistant answers.

"Hey, why aren't (Y/N)'s boxes in the house?" I ask.

"Boxes? There weren't any boxes for me to pick up, Larry said he took care of it," they answer.

Figures. "Alright, thank you," with that I hung up and reach down to pick up one of the boxes. Then I turn to find (Y/N) at my side, her expression was hard to read but I'm sure she was hurting more now. "Why don't you hea-"

Before I could finish she picked up a box and headed for the door all while the twins followed her. I did the same in silence, I followed her to the guest bedroom where we set them down. I returned outside to grab the rest for her.

Upon entering the room again, I found her on the floor opening one of the boxes. I didn't think it would be a good idea to look inside but it wasn't my choice. So instead, I picked the kids up and said, "We'll leave you for a bit,"

Without even sparing a glance to us, she nods as she starts pulling out random objects from her home.

~(Y/N)~

I couldn't stop the tears from coming as I looked at the things Larry packed away. I didn't have much, only because he hated it when I got stuff, he used to say it made the apartment ugly having so much junk.

Pulling out the few photo albums of my family, I let out a quivering sigh. Then there was our wedding album, shutting my eyes tightly I press the book to my chest as memories of that wonderful day came to mind.

Hours seemed to pass by slowly as I removed items from their boxes. Each holding a memory, some good, others bad. The good mood I had been in earlier was now gone. Larry wasted no time removing me from his life, it was as if he was ready for this day.

Then one item came out of the box that sent me over. It was an old t-shirt from one of my favorite bands. Larry had gotten it for me when we went to see (F/B)* in concert- there he proposed to me. I covered my face in the shirt and began weeping into it. I began to wonder what I could've done differently if there was something better I could've done to keep him. *(F/B)=(Favorite/Band)*

Then I wondered if he even felt anything while getting rid of my things. Probably not, he probably was happy to rid of it all...including me.

After some time, the bedroom door opened. Darting my head in that direction, I found Erwin poking his head in, then holding a plate in his hand. I hadn't realized how much time passed since I started looking through everything, but my stomach growled softly upon seeing the food.

Quickly I wipe the tears off of my face then wave the blonde in. He enters silently and shut the door behind him. Carefully stepping over the different objects, situating himself on my right, he rests the plate of food on his lap. "You skipped lunch," he mumbles.

"Thanks," I croak.

I hadn't even bothered to take any food yet, instead Erwin left his hand open. Taking a hold of it, our fingers intertwine and before I could react, Erwin brings our hands up and kisses my knuckles.

The tears started up again as I lean into him, I hid my face in the crook of his neck. After some time, I slowly pull away to look at him. Our faces were still rather close as I whispered "Thank you... for everything."

I watched as his eyes darted down to my lips before returning to my eyes. I did the same only my eyes remained locked on his mouth. "You're welcome,"

I didn't know what I was thinking, maybe I was desperate for attention but I leaned forward closing the distance between us. I pressed my lips against his gently- quickly because after only a couple of seconds, my mind seemed to turn back on telling me I was being stupid.

After pulling away, I covered my mouth, "I'm sorry," I was about to get up and walk away but before I could even do so, Erwin grabbed my wrist pulling me back towards him. Then letting me go, his hand reaches for my face. Cupping my head, he pulls me in and kisses me softly. His lips were soft, as he held me there, his lips move against mine while I sat there shocked by his actions.

Although I suspected his feelings, I still didn't think he'd act out on them, especially now but maybe he was tired of hiding.

~Erwin~

I should stop. I ignored all rational thoughts, I took this opportunity to show her she didn't need Larry. I only hoped she'd feel the same way. Moments seemed to pass as I felt her still frozen in my hands.

When I went to pull away though, she darts forward keeping her lips locked on mine, now moving her lips against mine hungrily. I felt around for the plate of food to move, when I did I then grabbed (Y/N) by the hips and pulled her onto my lap. My hands remained there while our lips moved in sync.

Running my tongue along her bottom lip, I felt her smile against my lips but her mouth didn't open far enough for me to enter. That's when I squeezed her ass a bit making her moan in surprise. Quickly I took the chance, her tongue was there waiting for me, waiting to be claimed as mine brushes against it.

Clearly, she was touch starved and craved this. But as time went on and our actions continued, my head was starting to spin from the lack of oxygen. And I could tell she was running out too by her trying to take breaths between our kisses. With a final kiss, I finally push her away a bit all while still allowing her to sit on my lap.

"Sorry," she mumbles as she goes to wipe her mouth, she then tries to move off of me, only I stopped her from doing so.

"You're fine, it's my fault I shouldn't hav-"

"Do you regret it?" she then asks me.

I had to be honest here, I didn't regret it, I didn't even feel all that sorry. I finally was going to have a chance with this incredible woman, and I wasn't about to chicken out like I had in the past. "No...if anything I've been wanting to do that for a long time now,"

"Oh," she whispers in response.

Now I had to know what she wanted to do about this, "So...what do you want to do about this? I know you are still processing what happened and everything. I will wait for as long as I need to,"

"Well... if I'm being honest I think things between Larry and I have been over for a long time, but even still I think we should wait a little- at least until I get divorce papers."

"Alright...well I still wanna take you out- it doesn't have to be a date but just the two of us. It'll give you a break from the twins. But only if you want to," I suggest.

Letting out a sigh, she leans forward again now resting her forehead against mine. "I would like to... but just so you know... I don't want you to be a rebound okay?"

I smirk softly and turn my head slightly all while cupping her face. "I'm not worried about that, take all the time you need," With that, I tilted my head up and pressed my lips against her forehead.