"Eren?" Eren's eyes scanned the sea of faces, landing on a girl dressed in blue, her hat shading her eyes. His expression faltered, surprise etched on his face...
"Fuck!"Eren's hands slapped against his face grasping the crimson scarf, revealing his uncovered face. "Dammit! Why wasn't my scarf on my face?" he thought, dismounting his horse and approaching Mikasa in the crowd.
Mikasa, confusion etched on her face though aware, tried to ask, "Eren, wha—"
But Eren cut her off with a wide, forced smile, avoiding eye contact. "Hey, Mikasa! Good to see you! Hehehe."
Before Mikasa could respond, a distant voice pierced the air. "Mikasa!"
Eren's eyes widened, thinking, "Isn't that... Aunt Karol's voice?"
Mikasa turned, scanning the crowd trying to find her mother. Apparently, they had gotten separated while shopping for winter clothes in Shiganshina, and the dense crowd had made it difficult to navigate the cobblestone streets.
Mikasa's voice barely reached to her mother through the horde as she finally spotted her mother amidst the sea of people. "Mom!"
Karol hastened towards Mikasa, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of relief and wariness. As she approached, Eren swiftly covered his face and blended into the crowd of scouts, his eyes locking onto Mikasa with a silent plea," Mikasa don't tell anyone.."
Mikasa's gaze lingered on Eren, her expression a blend of confusion and understanding. She knew he wasn't ready to reveal about his first expedition to his parents yet.
"Where were you, Mikasa? I was looking all over for you," Karol asked, her voice low and urgent, as she hugged Mikasa tightly, her face completely covered except for her eyes. The Ackerman women knew that if their presence was discovered, the Military Police would be hot on their heels.
Mikasa nodded, her eyes still fixed on Eren, who stood among the scouts, his index finger pressed against his lips, signaling her to remain silent. The crowd swirled around them, oblivious to the tense moment.
As they made their way towards Grisha's house, the fading sunlight cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets, and the air grew thick with the smell of woodsmoke and baking bread. The atmosphere was alive with the quiet hum of everyday life, yet beneath the surface of Shiganshina, secrets and lies simmered, waiting to be exposed.
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The scouts revelled in their hard-won victory within the grand mansion of a noble, who had ulterior motives for hosting them - namely, to curry favour with Erwin. The dining hall echoed with laughter, cheers, and the clinking of glasses filled with beer. It had been one of their toughest expeditions yet, and they had covered more ground than ever before, making it a monumental achievement.
Eren, however, abstained from the festivities, excusing himself with a simple "I'm heading home" as he grabbed a bag filled with silver coins, donated for the cause. He had hoped to speak with Levi, but hesitated, still wary of Mikasa's ability to keep secrets. He steeled himself for the worst, sensing a storm brewing on the horizon, potentially threatening the fragile peace in his wooden house.
As he sprinted towards home, Eren thought to himself, "Man, I'm really exhausted... I should've drank some water before departing." He could have taken a cart or ridden his horse, but chose to run instead, allowing his horse to rest and avoiding the hassle of going all the way to the gate to book a fare.
As Eren sprinted towards his house, the crunch of gravel beneath his feet echoed through the quiet evening air. The sky was painted with hues of crimson and gold, casting a warm glow over the rustic wooden buildings of Shiganshina. The air mingled with the sweet aroma of blooming wildflowers.
As he approached his own wooden house, the thatched roof and wooden door seemed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort. The windows, adorned with intricate carvings, glowed softly from within, like lanterns welcoming him home.
As the door creaked open, Eren's eyes met Carla's warm smile as she prepared the dining table for dinner. Grisha and Jacob were engrossed in their usual debate about the nobles, while Mikasa and Karol stood in the corner, Karol folding clothes as Mikasa gazed out the window, lost in thought.
"Ah, Eren..." Carla said, her eyes filled with concern for her exhausted son, evident in his tired green eyes. "I'm home," Eren replied, forcing a wide smile as the family gathered to hug him and offer their blessings.
Eren, trying to avoid suspicion, repeated his earlier greeting, "Yo, Mikasa... Good to see you." This time, however, it felt forced, and an awkward silence crept over the room.
" Yeager.. I'm disappointed in you." Eren thought to himself.
Mikasa's faint voice broke the silence, "H...Hi Eren," as she hid behind Karol, her shy demeanor a contrast to her usual stoic self. Seeing Eren, her cousin and first friend who didn't judge her for her wealth, brought a smile to her face.
Carla's gentle voice intervened, "Sweetie, come in, let's eat. You must be hungry from your long journey." Eren replied, "No, Mom, I'm good," though his stomach growled in protest, betraying his words. The mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen had awakened his appetite.
The room erupted in laughter, even Mikasa couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Eren thought to himself, "Just die, Yeager, just die," as he took a seat at the table, his gaze lowered in embarrassment.
As the group savored their feast, Grisha turned to Eren and asked, "So, how was the expedition?" while taking a sip of juice knowing he messed up big time and dug his very own grave,"Shit I shouldn't have asked yet." Grisha thought light reflecting from his spectacles.
Eren's reaction was immediate and intense. He spat out the stew he had been sipping, and the room fell silent. Carla's eyes widened in confusion, "Expedition?" she repeated, her voice laced with concern, clearly unaware of her son's recent encounter with the Titans.
The room's warmth and chatter evaporated, replaced by an uncomfortable stillness. Eren's gaze met Carla's, his eyes locked onto hers with a mix of fear and hesitation. The air was thick with tension, as if the very mention of the expedition had awakened a dormant storm.
Carla's voice trailed off, her eyes searching Eren's face for answers. "Eren... you..." she whispered, her tone a mix of confusion and concern.
Grisha's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Eren, as if trying to read his son's thoughts. Mikasa's eyes darted between Eren and Carla, her expression a mask of caution and disappointment. It was Eren's and her little secret why was Grisha aware of Eren's involvement in the expedition. Karol's hands stilled, her eyes wide with curiosity.
The silence stretched, a heavy blanket that suffocated the room. Eren's chest heaved, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew he had to reveal the truth, but the words caught in his throat like a trapped animal.
Eren's smile twisted, a macabre grin that sent shivers down the spines of those around him. But before he could speak, Grisha intervened, his voice a beacon of bravery in the tempestuous sea of secrets.
"Erwin asked for my permission to take Eren alongside the scouts for the expedition, guaranteeing his safety so I agreed," Grisha revealed, his words a ticking time bomb that would soon shatter the fragile peace.
Eren's gaze met Grisha's, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. Eren's thoughts whispered a haunting farewell: "I love you, Dad... Though these will be your last moments, and you'll probably die by Mom's ruthless hands, know that you'll live in my heart forever." The air was heavy with foreboding, the shadows in the room twisting into ominous specters.
Grisha's truth was a double-edged sword, cutting both ways. He had kept Carla in the dark, aware that her maternal instincts would never allow Eren to embark on such a perilous journey.
Carla's response was a gentle breeze on a summer's day, laced with a hint of venom. "I see..." she said, her voice dripping with sweetness, as she cracked a smile that sent shivers down Eren's spine. Karol, ever the vigilant guardian, swooped in like a mother hen, her eyes scanning Eren's body for any signs of injury.
Meanwhile, Carla's intentions simmered beneath the surface, a cauldron of secrets waiting to boil over. "Ummm... Honey, can I talk to you in the room alone?" she asked, her voice a siren's call, beckoning Grisha to his doom.
Eren's thoughts whispered a silent farewell seeing Grisha and Carla advance towards their room: "Farewell, warrior." As he navigated Karol's hugs and questions, his heart heavy with the weight of his secrets. The room was a powder keg, waiting for the spark that would ignite the chaos.
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As Grisha fought for his life, Jacob intervened, his voice a gentle breeze amidst the turmoil. "Karol, stop! You'll squeeze the soul out of the poor fella."
Karol's embrace finally loosened, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on Eren's cheeks as she gazed into his green eyes. Her voice was a tender whisper, "Honey, please... I know I don't own the right to stop you from fighting against the Titans, but please don't be reckless. You are really important to us, and the thought of losing you is unbearable."
Eren's eyes, like two glittering emeralds, locked onto Karol's, his face a map of conflicting emotions. He felt the warmth of her touch, the gentle pressure of her fingers, and the deep concern etched on her face. The air was heavy with unspoken words, the weight of their love and worry hanging precariously in the balance.
In that moment, time stood still, the world narrowing to the space between them. Eren's heart, a battleground of emotions, struggled to find the words to reassure her, to calm the storm brewing in her eyes. But before he could speak, Carla's voice, a cold wind, swept through the room, shattering the fragile peace.
"And you, Eren, come here. I'm not done with you," Carla said, her voice high and menacing, as she closed in on him like a predator. Eren's eyes widened in fear, his mind racing with memories of past punishments.
"Hey, Mom, I can explain—" he pleaded, but before he could finish, Carla's fingers twisted his ear, pulling it with a force that made him yelp in pain. The familiar ache brought back memories of childhood punishments, and Eren's face contorted in a mix of fear and helplessness.
Finally, after the storm subsided, they sat down for a peaceful talk. Eren recounted his journey, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he described killing the Titans. Jacob's face beamed with pride though deep down he didn't want Eren to risk his life but knew that Eren deserved appreciation, his hands ruffled Eren's hair as he exclaimed, "That's my boy!"
Eren's cheeks flushed red, his mouth agape, and a wide smile spread across his face as he relived the thrill of battle. Carla's grip on his shoulder remained tight, her eyes a mix of concern and pride, as she struggled to come to terms with her son's newfound passion for fighting.
Even if she begged him to stop, to leave the fighting to others, Eren's expressions told a different story. His eyes shone with a fire that couldn't be extinguished, a flame that burned brighter with each passing moment. Carla knew, deep down, that it was impossible to turn back now. Eren's fate was sealed, his path forever entwined with the Titans.
As they finished their chat, a faint knock broke the spell, and Eren rose to answer the door. "I'll go check" he said, turning the door knob to reveal a familiar face.
"Hahhh... Armin!" Eren exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement, as he hugged his childhood friend tightly. Armin's blonde hair was disheveled, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth as he returned the hug.
After introducing Armin to the Ackermans, Eren gestured towards Mikasa, who was hiding behind Karol. "Hey Armin, this is my cousin Mikasa."
"And Mikasa."Mikasa's faint voice replied, "Y.. yes,"
"This is my friend, the one I told you about, Armin." Eren said while Mikasa slowly nodded, her eyes cast downward.
Karol encouraged Mikasa to greet Armin, saying, "Sweetie, now this is rude, go and say hi." Mikasa hesitantly moved forward, her cheeks flushing pink, and whispered, "Umm hello there." Armin smiled warmly and extended his hand for a handshake.
Eren, sensing Mikasa's shyness, gently took her hand, making her blush, and guided her through a friendly handshake. Afterward, Mikasa quickly retreated behind Karol, her face still aglow with embarrassment, as the others chuckled at her adorable shyness.
Carla asked Armin, "So, what brings you here sweetie?" Armin's visits usually involved exchanging goods or asking for favors, like spices or bread. Armin nodded, replying, "Well, I was here because I thought Eren would be here."
Eren's arrival was met with confusion,
" Eh? Me?".
"Your bravery in the expedition has spread like wildfire throughout Shiganshina," Armin said, his piercing gaze locking onto Eren's surprised face.
As Armin continued to reveal the people's admiration towards Eren's bravery and the title "Titan Slayer" that had been bestowed upon him, Eren's shock turned to impressed astonishment," Wait! What? Titan Slayer?"
Armin nodded while he continued talking.
The room fell silent, with only the sound of heavy breathing and wide-eyed stares.
Eren's surprise morphed into a menacing grin, his eyes blazing with fury. "Hehehe, don't worry Armin, my title will fit soon enough once I annihilate every Titan out there."
But before he could bask in his moment of coolness, Carla's firm grip on his ears sent a searing pain through his head. "No, you won't, Eren," she said, her expression stern and unyielding.
Eren winced, recovering from the pain. "Ouch... Why, Mom?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration.
Carla's expression softened, but her voice remained firm. " We'll find another way. You'll join the Military Police, and I'll ensure your safety. No more fighting against the Titans."
The room was heavy with tension, the air thick with unspoken words. Eren's protests were cut short as Carla's grip on his ears tightened, her eyes flashing a warning.
Carla's words cut deep, a stark contradiction to her past encouragement. She had sent Eren to Keith Shadis and train, fueling his dream of becoming a soldier. Now, she was taking it all away. But what choice did she have? She wanted Eren to live, to experience life beyond the horrors that crept inside their house at that time.
Eren's frustration boiled over, his anger futile against Carla's unwavering resolve. "Listen to me, young man!" she yelled, her voice loud and strict. "No son of mine will be fodder! Do I make myself absolutely clear?"
Mikasa's faint voice broke the tension, her hand on her head as if warding off a headache. "Ah..."
But Eren's outburst shook the room. "No one can stop me from fighting the Titans! Not you, not anyone!" He tore free from Carla's grip and sprinted outside, tears of regret streaming down his face.
Carla's plea fell on deaf ears. "Eren!" she shouted, but he was gone.
Armin stepped forward, his eyes locked on the gate. "I'll go, don't worry, Aunt Carla."
Karol stopped him, her hand on his shoulder."Mikasa, you go too." Eren's feet carried him to his sanctuary, a place where he found solace in the past. The tree, his haven, stood tall and proud, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. He had spent countless hours here, reading the "Book of Freedom" alongside Armin, and escaping the tensions created by his drunk father.
As he sat under the tree's shade, the soft wind caressed his face, lulling him into a sense of calm. But his frustration and determination kept him awake. "I won't stop, no matter what happens," he whispered, gazing out at the flat landscape and inhaling the nostalgic scent of the flower beds.
Armin finally caught up, his face flushed from the exertion. "Eren!" he exclaimed, sitting beside him wildly inhaling all the air he could get. Mikasa joined them soon after, her pants rustling softly as she sat on the other side, keeping a distance.
The silence was broken by Armin's question, "Man, when was the last time I lost in a foot race to you?" Eren replied, "You never won, Armin." Mikasa's soft chuckle broke the tension, and the three friends burst into laughter.
As they calmed down they furthur chatted on. Armin exclaimed, "Hey Eren, my grandpa taught me how to draw and paint! I'm really good at it." He gestured towards the beautiful scenery, with clouds covering the horizon. "Wait, I'll be right back! I really want to draw this."
Armin ran towards Shiganshina, leaving Eren and Mikasa behind. Mikasa spoke up, avoiding eye contact, "Umm... Eren." Eren lay down on the green grass, feeling a childhood sensation, and replied, "Hmm?"
Mikasa asked, "Why did you come here? Do you like this place?" trying to distract Eren from his fight with Carla. Eren smiled, his hand rising to catch the dim sun rays filtering through the tree's dense canopy. "Mikasa, whenever Mom was at work and Dad was busy gambling, I'd come here to escape the noise and take a nap."
Eren's eyes barely opened, his fists clenched, as he whispered, "Sometimes I wonder, it'd be lovely to just sleep in this tree's shade forever... it'd be truly happy."
Before drifting off, Eren whispered, "Try it for yourself, trust me, it's extremely relaxing." Mikasa hesitated, but eventually lay down, keeping a distance. The soft rustle of leaves and gentle breeze created a soothing melody, while the tree's shade cast a chillier ambiance.
Within seconds, Eren's soft breathing filled the air, his chest rising and falling gently. His red scarf remained wrapped around his neck, a lingering reminder of his passion. Mikasa smiled, gazing at Eren's peaceful form. Witnessing him sleep brought her joy, and soon, the serene atmosphere began to affect her too.
Her head grew lighter, her eyes heavier, and before she knew it, she succumbed to sleep, her gentle breathing harmonizing with Eren's. The two friends rested, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature, their worries and tensions temporarily forgotten.
As they slept, the warm sun cast a gentle glow over the landscape, its rays filtering through the leaves of the tree. The soft rustling of the wind created a soothing background noise, punctuated by the occasional chirping of birds.
Soon Armin returned, his sketchbook and pencils in hand, and smiled at the sight of his friends sleeping peacefully. He sat down beside them, careful not to disturb their rest, and began to draw the serene scene before him.
The sound of his pencils scratching against the paper blended with the natural sounds around them, creating a sense of harmony. As he drew, Armin felt his own worries and concerns slowly fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment.
Time passed, and the three friends continued to rest, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Their sleep was a testament to the trust and comfort they had found in each other's company, a bond that went beyond words.
But....
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A faint voice cracked, echoing in Mikasa's mind. "Mi... Mikasa Ackerman... Your efforts are futile... N... no... m... matter..."
Mikasa's thoughts were foggy, trying to shake off the lingering dream. "Eh? What. A dream?" she thought to herself, struggling to open her eyes. But no matter how hard she tried, her eyelids refused to budge.
Finally, her eyes fluttered open, a bit wet from the remnants of sleep. But as her gaze focused, shock and embarrassment washed over her. She found herself lying on Eren's arm, her own arm resting on his chest, and her hand on his face, her fingers tracing the contours of his cheeks. Her face was inches from Eren's, their bodies in full contact, and their heartbeats synchronized. But Mikasa's fast-beating heart soon outran the synchronized rhythm.
As she lay there, frozen in surprise, Mikasa's mind raced to process the situation. How did she end up like this? And why did it feel so... natural? But before she could get up fate had other plans.
Suddenly, Eren's eyes fluttered open, and his face turned a deep shade of crimson as he took in the scene before him. "Mi... Mikasa??" he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mikasa's gaze met Eren's, and they both sat up, quickly releasing their grip on each other. Their cheeks were bright red, and they looked away, trying to process the awkward situation.
Eren, still trying to compose himself, spoke up, his voice shaky. "No, no, don't worry, Mikasa. It's probably my fault. You see I'm a restless sleeper, so it only makes sense if I... did that."
But before they could continue apologizing, their gaze fell on Armin, who was standing in front of them, sketchbook in hand. And what he had drawn made Mikasa's embarrassment reach new heights. The sketch depicted Eren and Mikasa sleeping together, their bodies entwined, and their faces peaceful.
"Armin, you... You idiot! You said you wanted to draw something the landscape. Not... Not us sleeping. Give me that!" Eren exclaimed, his face flushed, as he tried to snatch the book from Armin.
Mikasa stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the picture, her embarrassment at its peak. Armin, however, just chuckled and held the book out of Eren's reach. "No way, Eren! This is a masterpiece! I'm going to call it... 'Sleeping Beauty and the Titan Slayer'!"
His art was really amazing he was able to draw every minute detail and was able to perfectly sketch their faces onto the piece of paper.
But before they could continue the scouts appeared out of nowhere their horses fully recovered from exhaustion. As the Scout Regiment approached, Petra's gaze fell on Eren and the Levi Squad changed their course towards the tree. Eren introduced Armin and Mikasa to the squad, and they exchanged greetings.
Oluo, however, couldn't resist teasing Eren. "Oh, so this is Mikasa, your little girlf..." But Eren quickly silenced him, his eyes wide with panic. "Oluo, please don't say anything, or I'm doomed forever!"
Eren tried to divert the topic, but Petra was already curious about Mikasa's thoughts on him. "So, what do you think about Eren, huh, Mikasa?" Eren's mouth dropped open in surprise as he rushed towards them.
Mikasa's cheeks turned bright red as she stuttered, "W-well, umm, Eren's... He's my friend and cousin." Petra continued to pry, but Eren intervened, wrapping one hand around her neck and the other on her face. "Petra, dear, once we're back, I'll make sure you and Levi go on a date." Eren whispered in her ears while Petra blushed and agreed, stopping her questioning.
Levi finally spoke up, his tone cold but not rude. "We're heading back to Odel. You're welcome to join us, or not. It's your choice." Eren thought for a while and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll tag along... It's not like there's anything to do here."
Armin who was busy looking at the Levi looked shocked, still processing Eren's words, while Mikasa didn't want Eren to leave, not now. She wanted to spend more time with her friends, Eren and Armin.
"Okay, we'll be with the Scouts. Let's move out," Levi said, turning towards Erwin and the others. Petra ruffled Eren's hair, and they joined the crowd, their stomachs full from the food the noble provided earlier.
As they walked leaving the three behind, Armin placed a hand on Eren's shoulder. "Hey, Eren, you should at least visit your parents before heading back." Eren's eyes flashed with determination. "There are more important things to do than convince my mother, Armin. I'm done. I won't let anyone come between me and my dreams. No one owns any right to stop me."
Mikasa spoke up, her voice laced with concern. "But Eren... Aunt Carla is worried about you." Eren nodded, his expression unwavering. "I know, but she's turning away from her own words. Joining the Military Police? Tch I'd rather die than work with those corrupt pigs."
Before Armin and Mikasa could respond, Eren surprised them with a combined hug. It was usual for him to hug Armin, but hugging Mikasa was a first. "Take care, guys..." he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Armin hugged him back, but Mikasa was caught off guard, her face bright red with surprise. "Yeah, you too, Eren. I'll look forward to our next meeting..." Armin said, his voice laced with emotions. "I'm quite lonely without you, so please try visiting every now and then."
Eren nodded smiling," Ya me too Armin."
and then left them behind to join the crowd of Scouts. Mikasa watched him go, who looked flustered from the sudden hug smiled happy for the moment they shared.
As they parted ways, Mikasa watched Eren's figure fade into the horizon, feeling a mix of emotions: happiness for his determination, sadness for the distance between them, and pride in the strong bonds they shared. The scene faded to black, leaving the two kids under the tree.