Disclaimer: All creative rights to the characters belong to their original creator Isayama Hajime.
A/N: This is an Alternate Universe and it's the cliche High School universe everyone hates. The main focus will be Annie and Eren's relationship. So, yeah.. enjoy!
It's hard to describe watching someone who went from being nonchalant, literally - to being an enthusiastic cheerleader. He vividly remembers Annie, inadvertently slamming him onto the ground in middle school over a stupid taunt from another friend. It's not hard to recall the shock of pain, the subsequent dull throbbing, the curious sight of disinterest later expressed on her face, and the fascination of a new, respect formed from silence.
In the great flurry of teenage activities, hardwork, common mistakes, and memorable events. Whether being hounded by rumors, working rigorously on homework given the night before, or making a complete fool of yourself on a first date. Administering a few hugs and kisses for good measure; it's all apart of 'growing up.'
But, that's something we're all told about, sometimes after poor results. Overall, it was good to keep in mind - especially in times of change, when friends got accepted into different colleges. It was expected of Armin, he worked at his full potential. The ace in every subject, as well as the personality change - regardless his best friend. And Mikasa, how she'd changed, how hard she'd fought, for the people she loved most survived because of her. He'd find out soon after an argument, that it provided closure for her family.
In all the oddness, though, Eren was satisfied with the ending of High School. After all, graduation is all that was left, and everyone was eager for it to end. Still, there was someone. Someone who lived in the shadow of her own secret - he repressed the familiar, electrified hitch in his chest - Annie Leonhart. During the last year or so, she agitated a flame without speaking to him, perverted his imagination without a single glance his way, and within the hidden darkness of his room; he allowed it to escape.
She was supposed to be someone he respected, but since she became his weakness, it had been challenged by instinct - or at least that is what it felt like. He felt such compassion and admiration for her, and when she wandered with the rest of the beaming cheer squad with brilliant white smiles and radiant school colors. It stilled time.
Around her, an eruption of students standing from the stands. Of course, that is what the cheerleaders do. Encourage the team to do their best, motivation was key; everyone liked a good game and the cheerleaders truly did their best. With everyone eager to begin the game, the stadium's lights zeroed in on the squad. After the crowd hushed, ear-piercing music began and they all looked compassionate, with such spirit, and kindness.. even Annie looked as if she was enjoying herself.
And for the the longest time, he felt as if he was staring straight into the depths of her iron soul. She was known for being on the debate team and her ruthless discussions - and he found himself agreeing a lot with what she had to say. Bursts of brief memories span across his mind; he never thought she would become a cheerleader. Eyes like oceans with hair like honey in it's distinctive style, short with strength possible for a one hit death-blow... a martial artist expert like her father, but no... a cheerleader?