Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin. All I'm trying to do, is to tell you how I imagine the ending of this amazing story Isayama gave us…

I have my own imagination and originality, but I would pay attention to suggestions if you want to propose something, so, I repeat, if you have a suggestion about anything, just send me a PM telling me what you think. You can tell me about errors I may have, ideas you may have for this story, etc.

I may have orthography errors, English is not my first language.

Some of you will think that there's more than enough talking about love in this chapter… I just wanted to do things this way because I believe I had to. Next chapters will be more about the revolution Erwin's planning the effect it'll have.

This will be something that happened between chapter 55 and chapter 56. The next chapter will be 57th.

Chapter 55.5

The morning was cold. He took the blanket and covered himself again. Levi used to wake them up early, but he wouldn't do it for the moment. They were living the worst times. The Survey Corps were planning some sort of revolution he didn't understand nothing about, Levi had been torturing some of the guys from the Military Police, with the help of Hanji…

-We're all crazy.-he whispered sliding a hand below the pillow.-But I'm killing the titans… I'm not dying before it… Gaaaah...-again, he had fallen asleep.

Mikasa, from the other side of the window, attached to the wall by her 3D Maneuver Gear, sighed in frustration. She had been expecting him to finally wake up, but he did not. It seemed like he wasn't getting out of the bed until Levi tortured him with his ugly face or Hanji arrived shouting stupidities about experiments.

Those experiments.

She took a deep breath and held back her hatred. She had no right to hate Hanji because of the experiments she wanted to do. It was necessary. Mikasa just wished it wasn't Eren who had to bear them.

-Why does he have to bear that burden?-she fell down to the floor as gracefully as ever, still thinking the answer to that question.

But she couldn't find it. Maybe it did not even exist.

-I just hope he survives all this.-she whispered to herself.

Then she heard the door opening and a guy a bit taller than her went through.

-Oh, I didn't know you got up this early.-he said, she looked at him expressionlessly.-Sorry.-he added, nervously.- Good morning.-

-The same.-she said, as brief as ever.

Jean walked to a tree close to her and sat down there, thinking of what to say. She wasn't someone you could just talk to. In fact, she was the one who always chose who to speak to.

When he looked at her again, her eyes were put on Eren's window, which was still closed.

-That tadpole won't wake up 'till midday, at least…-

-I don't care.-

-Mikasa, can I ask you a question?-Jean finally let his instinct lead him through the situation, just like when he fought titans.

-Ask away.-her eyes did not move a single millimeter.

-Why do you care so much about Eren? And please, tell me the truth. Um… I know maybe I don't deserve to know, or, perhaps, it's something deep buried inside you, but it's just…-

-Did you ever have the feeling that you owe everything to someone?-she asked in response, to which Jean was caught off guard.

-What? How? I don't really get it.-

-Just how I thought.-she said, not giving an answer directly.

-But…-Jean got up and cleaned the grass on his trousers.-Can you give me a concrete answer?-

-If you have not experienced what I just told you, then I will not waste my breath.-

"That has been the longest answer I have ever received from her", he thought to himself.

He was disappointed. His instinct always found an answer. To everything. But with Mikasa… she just didn't let him even use it, she always cut off the conversations she had with everyone. With everyone but Eren. What would have he done for her to achieve such a thing?

Mikasa Ackerman. What a complicated woman.

-Funny. I like complicated women.-he whispered.

The morning elapsed like that.

Jean, along with Conny, Sasha and Armin, fed the horses. Mikasa, Eren (when he woke up) and Historia went to the forest to collect more wood.

What was left of the day, they passed it inside the house, hidden. It wasn't until dinner time that Eren, Armin and Mikasa sit down together, apart from the others. They hadn't seen neither Levi nor Hanji nor Erwin during the day, so they were to be awake until the dawn arrived, waiting for possible orders.

-So…-Armin said, bored.- How was your day? I think my right arm has dislocated… How clumsy can I be… I fell from the fourth floor and instead of using the 3DMG, all I tried to do was to grab the edge of a window… And I managed to do it… In the first floor…-he let out a nervous giggle.

Eren smiled, and so did Mikasa.

-Well, at least you're not dead.-he said.- That's what counts the most, right?-

-Of course.-she supported him.- What would we do without you, Armin?-

-You always asking your rhetoric questions, huh?-the small blonde smiled.-Even knowing that, I'm going to answer. You would survive.-

-What the hell are you saying, Armin? You saved our asses more times than I can remember!-

-Don't be foolish. You were eaten, and you found your way out. We were all about to die, and it was you, Eren, who saved us. I don't know yet how can you control the titans, but… Had it not been because of that… We would not be here. I did nothing.-

Both Eren and Mikasa looked at a full-of-sadness Armin, not knowing what to say. When the Titan Shifter was about to say something, Jean put the two of his hands on Eren's shoulders and whispered close to his ear, so only he would hear his words.

-We. Have. To. Talk. Eren. Yeager.-

-About what?-

-Can't tell you here, just follow me.-

And with that, Jean went to the door, opened it, and disappeared into the darkness.

-Ummm… Sorry, Jean wanted to talk to me alone… Seems like he wants to do it outside. I'll be back.

Mikasa and Armin stared at each other, asking one another what Jean would want to tell Eren.

-Here, Yeager.-Jean called for him.

He was between two thin and close trees, with his back reclined against one of them.

Eren approached quietly, ready to fight if Kirstein tried something… But he didn't.

-Why do you think I brought you here?-he asked.

-Why don't you tell me?-Eren proposed.

-First let me test your judgement.-Jean declared.- I want to know how far your intelligence goes.-

-I'm not as smart as Armin.-

-You're not even as smart as me, let's not talk about Armin.-

Eren clenched his fists.

-Are you looking for a fight, Jean? I have no problem, just tell me!-

-No, I'm not.-he responded.- You know what, you are just as smart as the guy who created the first titan, Eren. Do you really don't know nothing about Mikasa?-

-What does she have to do with us?-

Jean grabbed his forehead, containing his rage.

-Eren. You know I love her, right?-

Eren's eyes widened in surprise.

-What? I mean, really? That's awesome!-

-No, Eren, it is not! And stop shouting, lower your voice!-Jean said quietly.-It's not awesome, because she's after someone else.-he explained.

-Oh, what a shame, Jean.-Jean's face turned into one of incredulity.-What?!-

-Eren, you should know who she loves!-he said in a desperate tone.

-Why should I?-

-Are you really that stupid? I can't believe this shit!-Jean said, full of hatred.- Look, stop plaing the stupid guy role, because I know you're not like that! I know pretty well you DO know who I'm talking about!-he took Eren's shoulders.- Listen, Eren. She's slowly dying because of the indifference you are aiming at her. You weren't there to see how she was acting when we thought you were dead back on Trost! She cried a lot when you got out of the titan's body, Eren, do you know what that means?-

-Yeah, I know, it means she cares a lot about me, just like I care a lot about her.-

-I don't think it's the same.-Jean incremented his grip.- Eren, stop playing, she's holding a lot of pain for you, a pain she doesn't deserve, do you understand? She not only has her own problems, she also carries yours and solves them before you even realize you have them. I don't know a thing about her past, and I don't want to know anything, I don't have the right to ask, but as far as I know, you are the only fucking person she cares about, and you continuously turn your back on her!-

-She did the same, don't you remember?-

Jean's face turned to hatred.

-Tell me one single moment where she did it.-

-Back on the Judgment. She didn't hide the fact of me attacking her, so…-but before he could end talking, Jean's fist had reached his jaw with all his strength.-Why did you do that!?-

-You fucking ungrateful stupid piece of shit. You don't deserve her. All you do is putting more and more burdens on her back, not caring a single time neither about how much she's being through not about how much she's been through before this! But the worst… The worst thing is that you know all that! You know her past, you if she suffered, how much she suffered, the reasons she suffered for, you know everything! And yet so, you don't care.-

-No, Jean, It's not…-

-SHUT THE FUCK UP!-

It was then when the rest of the Survey Corps went out, worried because of the noise.

-Remember that we're hidden, boys.-Conny said a bit annoyed.

Jean punched one of the two trees, then he took Eren's jacket.

-You know what I think about you? I once believed in you, Eren. But seeing you now, acting like this… I can't see how you're better than the titans. Because, yes, had it not been for you, all of the Survey Corps would be dead… But even with that, I can say that for a hero, killing one person is worse than killing a hundred. Are you a hero, Eren? Will you let that person die?-

-Put him down, Jean. Right. Now.-Mikasa had grabbed both of her blades and was ready to slide their companion with no regret.

-You see? This is one of those acts of love. Don't you appreciate them?-then he released Eren, who fell to the floor.

-It's not the time.-he whispered.

Jean laughed and approached one more time to his ear.

-Not now?-he laughed.-When, if not now? When the titans eat her? Have you ever stopped for a moment to think how your life would be if she wasn't there for you?-he stood up and walked away.- Think about, Eren. You might be a goddamn Titan Shifter… But we're not.-

Mikasa approached, with the blades still in her hands.

-Are you alright, Eren?-she asked, to which he just nodded.

-Eren, come with me, we should sleep.-Armin suggested.

-But we have to stay awake, waiting for something to happen.-he refused.

-If anything happens, I'll let you two know.-her foster sister said.

"Fuck", he thought while saying "Alright".

Once inside the bedroom, his blonde friend started the interrogatory.

-You know…-Armin said worried about his friend's look.- Jean was right. Not all of us are Titan Shifters.-

-You too are going to give me a lesson about feelings?-Eren demanded.- Why in hell does everyone think I don't get it? Why everyone believes that I don't know what Mikasa feels for me?-

-Then why don't you do nothing about that? Like he said, she's dying.-Armin asked, with his fingers intertwined.

-Because this ain't the time, Armin! I barely have time to do all what Levi and Hanji ask me to do, fight the titans and now with the government after us, the situation is worse than ever!-

-Precisely because of that, you should talk to her. Tell me the truth.-he waited for an answer.- Will you?-

-Yes.-Eren accepted after minutes of silence.

-Be honest… What do you feel for her? Trust me, I'm not telling her this.-

The Titan Shifter shook his head and wrap his legs with his arms.

-Actually I don't know. I mean, obviously I want her to be happy, I always wanted that for her. As far as I know, it means I like her, and…-

-Don't try to evade my question. You can do that to Conny or Sasha. Not to me. I know you, Eren. I know when you're lying or when you try to avoid a question. I know everything about you. I can tell the only person who knows you better than me, is Mikasa. She just has to look into your eyes to know what's happening. Do you think that kind of bond is usual?-

-No, I know it's not, but…-

-No, let me talk. How do you know she's not dying tomorrow?-

Eren laughed at the comment. He laughed for at least four minutes, and then, when he calmed down, looked at Armin and said, still smiling:

-She's not gonna die.-

-How can you be sure? You should have seen how she was acting when that titan had eaten you. Mikasa ran out of gas and almost got killed by a Titan, Eren. She was lucky to be found by your Titan form.-

-There you have it, we have each other's back.-

Now it was Armin's turn to laugh.

-Oh, have you? Then tell me, had it not been for Levi, would Mikasa be here? Because he fought Annie a little while to make sure she didn't die by her hand.-

-Levi's on our side, he helps everyone he can.-

-You and I know that is not true. Rivaille do the sacrifices he consider must be done. Why? I don't know, but things are how I'm telling you.-

-Armin, I know where you are going, and let me tell you that I…-

-Eren. Stop. Really. I'm with Jean on this one. Sorry. A hero doesn't let anyone die in his name. And if you want to be humanity's savior, don't be so at cost of Mikasa.-

-But I can't get her off of me! That really pisses me off! You're telling me to do things myself, but she never leaves my side, I can't protect her if she stands by my side!-

Armin sighed.

-Come here.-he said.- There's something on my Grandpa's book that I want to show you.-

Eren reluctantly woke up and went to where Armin was.

-What is it?-

-Let me find it.-the blonde was passing page after page without really looking at them.-It should be by here… Found it.-

He took a page older than the others. Eren could tell so because of its color.

-What's written there?-

-Read it, Eren. Read it and find the answers you need.-

-I don't have your brain, Armin. I don't really understand antique English.-

The blonde sighed frustrated.

-Alright, I'll read it for you.-reading and translating to actual english at the same time.- There was a time, many years ago, where the world was dominated by humans. No titans at all. Today, I learnt from the Professor that wars aren't just against another species, but also between human beings. There was something called "Battle of Thermopylae", that took place during a period quiet away from ours called "The Second Persian Invasion of Greece", where three hundred skilled men fought against thousands of thousands of men and almost won. I think the Professor told us this story to make us believe the war against the Titans can be won. Today, he's been optimistic about it. He also told us about Leonidas, the Hero of this battle. But when I heard that at the end he died, I couldn't help but be disappointed. Yet, his death was useful. Greece united and fought back the Persians, achieving their liberty. All I want is to see a Hero rising against the Titans. A Hero that kills them all and give us freedom back. But I don't want him to end like Leonidas. I want him to survive and be happy. To have a family.-

Eren kept silent. There was nothing he could say to evade the situation. On the other hand, it was an inspiring tale.

-Did all that really happen?-

-I can't be sure. It can either be a lie or a true story, but that's not the point, Eren.-Armin closed his eyes.- Will you be our Hero, or just another common soldier?

-I don't know, Armin.-

-I get it, you want to be the Hero, but you don't have what's needed to be so. Am I right?-

Eren sighed.

-Yes.-he said.- But Mikasa…-

-Leonidas fought between another two hundred and ninety nine men, Eren. And you can't do it alongside one woman? Alongside another soldier? But over all those titles, you can't fight alongside Mikasa?-

-It's… It's… I'm afraid.-he declared.- I fear the worst.-

-Eren. As long as Mikasa has you, she can do everything. You are the source of her strength. Don't deny her that source. She needs it. Talk to her, explain her the situation, tell her how you feel. She won't be extremely happy, but will feel your attention on her again, and she really, really, needs it, Eren. Are we clear?-

-But I can't have all that on mind, please, understand me too, I lost my mother by a titan's hands, I don't know what to think about my father, and all she can do is to keep asking me how I feel, offering me help, and I…-

-Do you really think all that, Eren? Or are you just trying to avoid me?-

-No. No, I don't think all I said, Armin.-he answered after a couple of moments, resigned.

-Then you're going to talk to her?-

-I… Yes.-

-Exce…-he was about to say excellent, but the bedroom's door completely opened and Jean appeared on the door.

-Levi has arrived! Come to the kitchen!

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