Mikasa stared at the night sky, her eyes looking down but her head remaining high. It was the sixth anniversary of her parent's death, and she never really took it well. She wanted to be alone at times like this. She didn't want to worry about anyone, this was just a time for her to mourn the death of her parents; and nobody would be there to see it.
The young Ackerman covered her face with her hands in an attempt to calm herself down. It didn't work, and the night sky along with the crisp breeze made her heart ache more. Mikasa knows that they've been dead for a long time, and she keeps telling herself that she should get over their passing. But, how could one just get over their parent's death?
She didn't want anyone to be see her like this; see her vulnerable, and aching. She was supposed to be the strong Mikasa Ackerman. She was supposed to be strong enough for Eren. So that she could keep him safe; so that she could keep the last of her family safe.
The sound of footsteps caught her off guard. Mikasa whirled around, her gray eyes meeting someone's turquoise orbs. "Why are you crying?" Eren asked with a raised eyebrow. He already knew the answer, and was well aware that Mikasa wanted to be alone, and the hurt she felt; but he wasn't leaving anytime soon.
Mikasa touched the tear on her cheek as she refused to make eye contact with Eren. "It's nothing." 'It's nothing'. Those words echoed into her head as she felt more dread building up in her stomach. Still, she wiped her tears away and did her best not to break down. 'Remain strong… Mikasa..' she kept telling herself.
Eren frowned as he leaned against the tree. He folded his arms and let out a sigh. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke up. "Mikasa… you don't need to always be strong," he stated suddenly, looking at his adoptive sister with thoughtful eyes. He could tell she wasn't feeling well; he would be a jerk if he just left her alone.
How could he leave her alone like this?
Mikasa blinked at that and tilted her head. "Eren-"
"You've always been strong," he started with a small laugh as he turned to her. "but… for once, act like someone else has to be strong for you."
By then, tears came out of the Mikasa's eyes as she let all her emotions out. Rage, sorrow, even happiness. She ran towards her adoptive brother and embraced him as she sobbed into his shoulder. She needed this comfort, she needed it a long time ago.
Right now, she didn't feel vulnerable, she felt, comforted.
Eren stroked her hair as he held her. "Remember, Mikasa. I'm your older brother. I'll always be here for you in your weakest of times."
