Mikasa was confused, but happy. A few days ago, Eren changed, he started treating her differently. He treated her like he did before the wall fell, when she was scarred and lonely, he was so sweet, and so nice to her. He comforted her when she had nightmares, he held her hand when they went out.
These days he was angry, resentful, and kept pushing her away. It hurt, everytime he yelled at her, everytime he told her he didn't need her, and the scarf around her neck was getting colder and colder. He was slipping away and she didn't know what to do.
Now though, he ... seems different. Oh he's still the reckless boy she'd always known and he still gets into fights, he was still stubborn, and so angry, but that anger wasn't directed at her any more. He was still annoyed sometimes but he doesn't push her away anymore.
Mikasa doesn't know what brought about the change, but honestly she couldn't care less. She was happy for the first time in a long while.
"Oi, Mikasa"
She jumped at the sound of his voice.
"The hell are you doing, let's go before sasha inhales all the fish." he grabs her hand, surprising her a little.
"Yes, lets go" she said hiding her smile under his scarf. He looked at her strangely for second, then shrugged and started dragging her toward the mess hall.
Dinner was over, and Eren was passing by the girls dorm after using the outhouse. He was deep in thought, hands stuffed into his pockets and slightly hunched to ward of the slight chill. It's been several days since he started screwing with Jean.
Mikasa has... changed a little. She seems different, somehow, Mikasa was reserved most of the time showing little emotion on the surface. Of course he and Armin knew that she wasn't emotionless, who she really is.
But these past few days she's been... Eren really doesn't know how to describe it. She's just... reacted more! Thats it. Her cold exterior has softened a bit, she smiled more in the past few day than she did in the past three years. Of course their lives as refugee's was nothing to smile about, it was anything but pleasant and now they didn't have to constantly worry whether they would have enough to eat the next meal.
He'd forgotten in his pain and rage, how beautiful, how fragile that strong girl was. How she was those days in Shinganshina. She should smile more, it's not fair what this god forsaken world took from her, from us. She shouldn't have to suffer more. He would make sure she smiled more.
He glanced over to the side Speak of the devil, or should I say angel. Eren blinked God where the hell did that come from, that was lamest, cheesiest line I ever heard. He scowled. Stupid armin and his stupid love stories.
Mikasa was sitting on the porch of the cabin, clad in pajamas. She held her knees to her chest staring into the cloudy sky. It seemed like she didn't notice him. Smirking he moved slowly towards her, stepping carefully as to avoid making noise like Annie had taught him.
Once he was right beside her he reached down and pulled on her hair.
She jumped a foot in the air. Wow she must have dozing off or somthing.
"E-Eren" she said lowering her hands poised to strike, slightly flustered.
He smiled and flicked her head.
"You're reflexes are getting rusty, all those bread rolls finally reached your thighs?" he made to poke her thighs but she swatted his arm away blushing furiously.
"And I see your rolls keep going to your non existant abs" she shot back.
"I'm only thirteen!" he squawked. "They'll grow in soon!"
He was smiling inside though, It's been a long time since she made fun of him.
"So" he said sitting down next to her, making sure to sit a little too close. He saw her blushing in the moonlight. She was so cute!. She didn't make to move away though.
"What are you doing sitting out here in the cold.?"
"Nothing, just... thinking."
"Don't hurt yourself."
She gave him the look.
"... Sorry, couldn't help myself" He wasn't sorry at all though.
Mikasa just huffed and turned to face the sky again. Eren smiled, a little sad. Mikasa was never very expressive but he remembered those rare times in Shiganshina when she huffed, pouted, blushed and and even yelled at him (though that was only one time). He wanted that Mikasa back, and he would do everything he could to get a rise out of her. Also it was just too damn fun.
He frowned remembering something else from all those years ago. She used to have terrible nightmares, she'd come to his bed at night sobbing quietly. She didn't look like she was crying though.
He reached out and grabbed her wrist. She turned to him a question in her eyes.
"Did- did you have a nightmare."
She shook her head
"N-no, I haven't had any the last few days."
He frowned. "Last few days?"
He leaned in forward a little bit of his anger returning. "What do you mean the last few days."
She realized her mistake and turned around.
"I-it's nothing Eren, just a few bad dreams you don't have to worry about."
"Don't worry ?! Of course I worry. Why didn't tell me, or Armin" his voice was rising and his grip was tightening.
"Eren! please stop shouting. I - I didn't want to bother you."
He felt her trembling, he calmed himself down and loosened his grip. "Bother me, Mikasa I wouldn't get angry, you - you should've told me." he rubbed her hand slowly
"I'm sorry " she said looking down.
"But it's okay I haven't had any nightmares recently" she looked back at him, a tremulous smile on her lips.
"I don't know what happened Eren but you changed, a little. You're... calmer now, and- and..." She seemed to struggle for the right words.
"I'm happy, that you're arent as angry anymore, that you don't keep pushing me away." She ducked her head slightly.
Eren heart clenched at her words. Happy he made her happy, all those smiles, those soft touches, warmer words. It meant so much to her, he realized, she was happy these last few days because of him.
His heart sunk, Shit! shit shit shit. And all this time, I've been using her, manipulating her to get back at Jean. What the fuck is wrong with me!. He dropped her hands as if she burned him. He shot to his feet, startling Mikasa. He was disgusted with himself, he couldn't even look at her in the face.
"You should get to sleep" Eren bit out and turned on his heel and stalked away.
"Eren?" he heard her call.
"Eren!"
No, no no no no. This isn't supposed to be happening. Mikasa watched his back disappear into the darkness. What did she say, what did she do? That look of disgust on his face was unmistakable. Mikasa stood there trembling.
"Eren..." It was cold, so cold tonight, and her scarf just wasn't warm enough. She ran back into the dorm room and curled up her bed, face pressed to her bed, body rocking softly with sobs, her pillow growing wet with her tears. Sleep came slowly to her that night, and with it came back those cold and lonely nightmares.
To be continued.
A/N: I'm sorry, it just came to me and i had to write it. But I do like happy endings.
