The heel of Eren's boots clicked steadily against the white hospital tiles. With a tray of food in his hands, he made his way down towards Mikasa's room. Without feeling the need to knock, he opened the door with a wide swing.
"I'm bac-"
The titan shifter froze, his eyes wide in shock.
"Mikasa?"
The bed was empty. Eren glanced around the room, fear slowly beginning to bubble in the pit of his stomach. He quickly placed the tray of food on her side table and flew out the door.
"Mikasa!" He howled, running down the barren hallway.
It hasn't been more than a day since they had made their way back inside the walls. She was strictly ordered not to move from her bed without permission, an order straight from Captain Erwin.
As he passed one particular door that was slightly ajar, he heard her speak. It was faint, but to him it was undeniably Mikasa.
"I'm sorry." The voice was light and gentle.
He skidded to a halt and instantly paused, his thoughts suddenly clouded with confusion. He knew this room.
"Are you an idiot? What are you doing here?!" Jean's anger was thickly laced with worry.
Eren refrained from interrupting, his curious nature overriding his intention. He glued his back against the wall and silently listened to the conversation.
"If it wasn't for you and Eren, I wouldn't be alive. I'm ... sorry that I put your life in danger."
"Huh?
It was silent for a few moments before Jean spoke again. This time, his tone was almost sheepish.
"You really are an idiot. Mikasa," Jean paused, "you never have to apologize to me."
Eren could hear the smile on his face. Then, with that in mind, the corners of his mouth tipped over and his bright blue eyes suddenly narrowed and turned a darker shade. His hand shot for the door handle and swung it wide open.
He felt like cursing his head off, but he stopped mid-step at the scene in front of him. In front of Jean's hospital bed, Mikasa stood clenching her side in pain. Sweat slowly dripped from her forehead, showing the pain that she was hiding inside.
The words died in his throat.
Gritting his teeth, he tried to calm his temper. "C'mon, your dinner's getting cold."
He snatched Mikasa's hand and tenderly tugged her along. Before leaving the room, his gaze lifted from Mikasa to Jean. The smile that had grown on the man's face vanished, replaced with an annoyed scowl. Their eyes clashed for that brief moment, making it obvious to both of them where their feelings lied.
Back inside her hospital room, Mikasa laid safely back in her bed, finishing the remains of her dinner. Next to her, Eren sat in the guest chair, his arms crossed and his mood sour.
"Why were you out of your bed?"
Mikasa, mouth full of food, continued to chew absentminded. Eren's patience knew no excuse and was beginning to slip from his grasp.
"Hey! Mikasa!"
...
"Jean risked his life to save me. I couldn't rest until I apologized properly."
Eren simply scoffed and rolled his eyes. "What makes Jean special?"
Mikasa furrowed her eyebrows, obviously confused by what he meant.
"I didn't see you apologizing to Captain Levi after he saved you from Annie."
The question made Mikasa pause for a moment. "It's because I like Jean, I guess."
It felt like a titan had kicked him in the gut. Almost immediately, Mikasa noticed Eren tense. She watched with a gleam in her eye as his shoulder stiffened and his lips formed a thin line. Mikasa reached for his fisted hand and held it lovingly.
"Eren."
"What?"
The titan shifter felt the soft, cool touch of Mikasa's lips on his cheek.
"Thank you for saving me."