"So tell me. Why are Eren and Mikasa getting married?" asked Hannah bluntly. She figured without Erwin present this was her best opportunity to find out.

"you know I'm not sure. I heard rumours but nothing conclusive." Answered Moblit honestly. He didn't see any reason to lie to the attractive girl even if her presence had visibly made Eren, Mikasa and Jean nervous.

"What rumours?" asked Hannah sweetly feeling this boy was somewhat of a weaker link that she could exploit.

"Moblit perhaps we shouldn't talk about this." Warned Jean knowing Moblit didn't know about the mission for obvious reason but knowing the wrong word might cause problems.

"Jean I don't know if you worship god but if you if you interrupt us I swear I'll personally introduce you to him. Now go stand in the corner." Ordered Hannah.

Jean promptly stood in the corner I can't believe he did it. Hannah thought to herself. She had never been in a position of power like the authority that came with being a representative of the church.

"well supposedly they were caught screwing in a barn." Answered Moblit.

"WHAT?" Hannah was shocked something so indecent could be happening. Even her and Franz were never such exhibitionists.

"it's only a rumour. There are many." responded Moblit casually. He'd been far more concerned about recent rumours involving Hanji possibly dating Levi.

"any others?" asked Hannah uncertain if he was part of whatever Erwin was up to. She couldn't help but deny she felt something trustworthy about the boy. He just seemed honest.

Moblit tried to recall the other rumours as the chance to talk to a girl not actively risking her life through titan obsession was a rarity for him. "I also heard jean was being a pervert and Eren wanted to protect her."

"HEY! I 'm not a pervert!" exclaimed Jean wanting to keep his name out of the mud.

Hannah had often considered Jean had an unnatural obsession with Mikasa and he could be a bit perverted "well probably but wouldn't it be easier to simply beat up Jean?" asked Hannah finding it a little implausible this would be the only reason.

"hey!" exclaimed Jean.

"shut up jean." Retorted Hannah before looking back towards Moblit. "so?"

"perhaps. I also heard one other rumour that Eren is trying to prove he isn't attracted to Men. Apparently he was caught cross dressing. The idea is that Mikasa volunteered given that she is obsessed with him" explained Moblit from the rumour he heard from a new recruit.

"Eren cross dressing? That's clearly false." said Hannah but thought the Mikasa bit makes it seem plausible. She was always obsessed completely obsessed with Eren. In fact, it had been a running joke that all they needed to do in order to beat the titans was put Eren in danger in front of titans and unleash Mikasa and the war would be over.

"just telling you what I heard." Responded Moblit innocently

Hannah decided she would get to the bottom of these rumours one way or another.

"so how are the weeding preparations going?" asked Dot Pixis. Dot Pixis knew Erwin was good at organising battle plans but a wedding is often far more dangerous that fighting against titans.

"well if I'm honest pretty shit. I got a stuck up girl from the church watching me. Eren and Mikasa are too busy obsessing over each other to be helpful. Jean is too busy being a pervert. Levi and Hanji basically have so much sexual tension I'd rather they just got it over with and the rest are no use. Seems like I'm the only one organising it." Responded a frustrated Erwin making sure not to mention too much about the relationship given that he was the architect of it. Plus, he knew he wasn't lying the two were always busy obsessing over each other.

"sounds unfortunate. Why don't you punish them?" asked Dot Pixis unused to seeing Erwin complain so much.
"I wouldn't know how" responded Erwin coyly. He wanted to try to retain some semblance of respectability.

"sure you wouldn't" Dot Pixis found that extremely implausible given that the stories of Erwin's weird punishment were famous. According to rumours he once made some of his soldiers go up to female soldiers and deliver bad chat up lines.

"where's Rico anyway?" asked Erwin finding her not being present noteworthy,

"she's trying to avoid Jean. Gave her a holiday" answered Dot Pixis.

"oh yeah because of the whole perverted thing?" asked Erwin trying to remind Dot Pixis

"pretty much." responded Dot Pixis drinking back more whiskey.

Eren and Mikasa sat down at the coffee place that they had found. Mikasa had told Eren to pick as she hadn't tried coffee since she was young. Eren ordered the coffee the two of them could afford as Erwin hadn't given them much money.

"so how's the coffee?" asked Eren nervously.

"it's good." Replied Mikasa she hadn't drunk much to be honest. She wasn't terribly used to drinking coffee but it was an opportunity for what might be a date and Mikasa had always wanted one. The last time Mikasa had tried coffee had been when she was a child.

"so here's to marriage." Offering a toast to Mikasa hoping that it would break the awkwardness.

"it's scary isn't it?" asked Mikasa trying to work out how Eren felt.

"yeah it really is." Responded Eren sheepishly not wanting to offend but also not wanting to tell her that he'd thought about her impurely. Thanks to the dancing he was used to spending time with her again but he Eren couldn't not predict how she would react.

"are you sure you're ok?" asked Mikasa with unspoken words of 'marrying me'. Mikasa felt the Eren she was getting used to who was trying to be nicer to her was good for her but she hated the idea Eren was forcing himself. She'd accept him regardless even if he never returned her feelings.

"we are doing the right thing." Stated Eren not wanting to insult the woman who was being forced to marry him.

"yes that's probably true." Responded Mikasa still frustrated Eren only saw her as part of the mission but happy to spend this time with him.

Someone interrupted however "hey aren't you that titan?" It was a man neither Eren nor Mikasa knew had recognised Eren.

"yeah Bob that's the bastard! From the trial!" added a guy next to him. This guy was skinny but taller than the first man who had interrupted.

"knew it Brian" before turning to Eren "why don't you go sod off to where all the other titans come from?" Mikasa deduced that the fatter one was named Bob and the other one was named Brian.

Eren tried to hold back, he knew Mikasa had never like it when he had got in fights. Eren never knew why she still saved him from them so often and yet told him off but he now was making a conscious effort to annoy her less.

The other one named Bob however decided to interject "coming to break our wall from the inside? See you have a whore willing to cover for you" pointing at Mikasa.

Eren wasn't sure why but that comment had pushed him over the edge. Every fight he had ever had not a single one had ever been mean about Mikasa until now. He was so mad the only thing stopping him was the fact he knew right now he'd turn into a titan and demolish the entire city if he didn't. "I'll fight you outside if you want but I despise the titans and if I have to beat some sense into you I will. I will also make you apologise for that comment." Threatened Eren not wanting to make a scene inside and hoping if it was just outside he could simply destroy them with his human fighting skill.

"Thank you for that. Now I can say I was provoked." then added the man preparing for a fight.

"yeah let's teach this titan a lesson." the other one said cracking a knuckle threateningly.

Mikasa move in front of Eren. Eren knew that aura from Mikasa. It was only furious seen when she was so angry that needing to leave you alive wasn't a concern. "Eren didn't do any of those things and has killed more titans than you could if you had a million years and could easily destroy you but allow me to make it clear if you dare try to lay a hand on him I will tear you into so many pieces you and your boyfriend will wish you were eaten by titans." threatened Mikasa sincerely with a calm tone that made it all the scarier. Both men backed up slightly. The thinner one was shaking still.

"stuck up bitch." The thinner man prepared to slap Mikasa Eren however moved in front and took the slap. Eren was fuming that he'd tried to hit Mikasa. However, before he could react a woman move towards them.

"what are you doing?" asked a woman who came over. Mikasa recognised her immediately and shocked to see her. It was the woman who had thanked her for saving her and her daughter's life in Trost.

"well…I.." suddenly the man seemed extremely nervous.

"who's that?" asked Eren noticing Mikasa obvious reaction to this woman, she had softened from her previous rage and now just seemed shocked. Eren was still angry but tried to stay calm while the situation was unfolding.

The scared man blurted out "Catherine Schmitt. She owns this place." Eren was surprised to find this out from the man who was threatening him had given him the information he'd wanted but it seemed like he'd said that unintentionally.

"that's correct I do own this place. So I ask you again what are you doing?" she asked nicely but it seemed there was disapproval in her words.

"this titan and his stuck up whore are planning to cause another Trost incident. "answered the larger man hoping this would placate the woman. However, he very quickly realised it had the opposite effects.

The woman seemed like that comment had angered him "you are aware this titan as you called him is the reason the gap in the wall was patched up."

"so they claim, I think he planned the whole incident and this girl is just under his control." Claimed the skinny man suddenly nervous from the woman's very presence. He knew that her uncle was extremely important and since the woman was now basically his heir he couldn't chance upsetting her even if she was generally too soft to do much herself.

The woman sighed at the idiocy of the comment. "by this girl you mean the hero who saved more civilians than anyone else including wiped out a titan by herself and went back into battle to save as many as she could?" she asked. "you do know I was in Trost right? That I saw friends die? Innocent children throwing their lives away to protect us?"

The two men just looked at each other awkwardly. Clearly they realised they had touched a nerve.

"I owe her my life." Exclaimed the woman. She remembered the Asian soldier forcing the members of the corporation to let them pass. She had been so scared for her daughter but she felt at the time there was nothing she could do.

"she's clearly been controlled by the titan." He said pointing at the girl

"how so?" asked the woman incredulously. Looking at the rage the girl had the moment they dared to accuse the boy

"you really think a girl could love a guy like that…a monster?" asked the man looking at Eren. All he saw was a titan like the ones who killed people all the time.

"we've all heard the story reported at the trial. she went back into battle and cried when she realised he was alive. Do you really have to ask?" asked the woman. Everyone knew the story of the heroes of Trost. Even those who were not at the trial knew what had happened.

"I suppose not." Responded the man who had realised that he had finally lost the battle with the softly spoken woman.

"please leave" Ordered the woman. She had developed her confidence a long way but she still wasn't a confident woman.

"I'm so sorry for that." Apologised the woman. She was glad that her daughter wasn't here to see something like this she'd wanted to find the young soldier one day but this was the sort of thing that she hoped her daughter would never see.

"it wasn't your fault." Mikasa felt bad the woman had to experience it at all because of her. Eren had managed to control himself better than she herself had. But the woman had always been composed.

"despite the circumstances I am glad to see you. You saved my life and more importantly my daughter's life." The woman stated embarrassed to admit it.

"I didn't do that much." Stated Mikasa wanting to ask the woman why she had moved to the inner city after Trost but realising she likely knew the answer in addition to the fact she had family apparently the more important reasoning was after seeing what happened in Trost how could she not want to get her daughter somewhere else. It was hell.

The woman wrote down something on a nearby napkin along with her name. "here's my address if you ever want to pop round I know my daughter idolises you and you ever need anything just come to me."

"thank you." Responded Mikasa happy to know that something she had done had been appreciated. She had known her reasons had been selfish at the time but she always felt getting those people evacuated had been one of her prouder moments and yet conversely one she didn't like to think about because of all who had died and for the time she had thought Eren was amongst the fallen.

"anytime." Catherine smiled at Mikasa. She knew her daughter would genuinely love to see the girl again and if she could ever be of help she be there.

Mikasa drunk the coffee that was cooled to a point she could finish in one gulp. "by the way this coffee is amazing, fabulous and awesome!" Mikasa suddenly shouted out loud.

"what?" asked Eren unsure what explained Mikasa's sudden enthusiastic personality

"EREN WE SHOULD RUN AROUND!" exclaimed Mikasa loudly.

"why?" asked Eren confused about what was going on with the usual stoic personality.

"THEN LET'S GO DANCING!" exclaimed Mikasa excitedly remembering her times dancing with Eren. He'd got quite good now Marie let him dance in men's clothes.
"we really don't have time" remembering they had to meet up with Erwin later.

Mikasa however seemed unconcerned by Eren's need to be punctual "THEN WE SHOULD GO HAVE SE…." before collapsing on the table with a grin on her face. Eren was shocked but noticed she had simply fallen asleep. She had got an energy boost leading to her erratically state a moment before crashing quickly.

"is she ok?" asked the woman concerned that the saviour had suddenly collapsed on the table.

"I guess she never did get used to coffee." Responded Eren realising this was not the best choice to take her for coffee. She'd had a similar reaction as a child but Eren had assumed as she had grown up she'd be used to it by now. He now understood he was wrong. I'll ask Erwin to avoid coffee at the wedding. Eren thought to himself but knew it likely could have been a lot worse. Eren couldn't help but think about the incident where his father let Mikasa try alcohol. He still felt a shiver down his spine about that. He'd promised his father he'd never tell Mikasa nor his mother about that night. Eren looked down at the girl smiling at how sweet she looked when she slept before realising Catherine was watching him do so.

"look after her." Ordered Catherine with a smile. She didn't know the boy terribly well but the care was something she couldn't help but approve of.

"I will." Promised Eren before scooping up Mikasa in his arms, it was near to the time when they had to meet up and given the strength training he had done lifting Mikasa wasn't tough. Eren knew he had to get her there quickly given she would wake up soon and Eren felt she wouldn't appreciate being carried like this.

Back at the cart everyone had gathered. Erwin ordered Jean and Moblit to be in charge of the travel arrangements leaving him in the cart with Eren, Mikasa and Hannah. Erwin had been the last to arrive but he discovered from Moblit while Eren saddled up the horse that Eren had carried her back bridal style.
"so did everyone have a good time?" slurred Erwin slightly still feeling the effects of drinking with Dot Pixis.

"yeah." All responded to Erwin.

"it was extremely enlightening." Added Hannah having heard some extremely interesting rumours from Moblit. She felt that if there was something untoward she had yet to find it. She would not give in yet though even if Eren carrying Mikasa had been somewhat convincing.

"So where now?" asked Eren hoping not to have to explain carrying Mikasa back in his arms once more to Jean.

"we have arranged a hotel for the night. Should be coming up soon." Announced Erwin not entirely happy about being in shaky cart whilst drunk. He guessed Moblit was driving a carefully as possible but it wasn't helping.

"Eren, Mikasa I hope you two behaved yourself." Teased the slightly drunk Erwin hoping to distract himself from the shaking.

"we ran into an old acquaintance of mine." Explained a yawning Mikasa hoping Hannah would drop the issue Mikasa did not trust Hannah due to her affiliation but she didn't want to remind her of Trost.

"from where?" asked Hannah still prodding. She felt Mikasa and Eren were her next best bet that she could trip up soon if she couldn't get more from Moblit and Jean.
"long story." Answered Eren hoping Hannah would get the hint if he said something as he didn't want to bring up bad memories for the girl. They had once been friends after all.

"good thing we don't have a long coach journey then." Pointed out Hannah. In truth Hannah wanted to know what the Erwin had arranged for his cherished couple.

"it was in Trost." Hoping that would dissuade Hannah. She knew it was likely futile.

"tell me everything. "ordered Hannah. Far from dissuade her she now needed to know. Mikasa began the explanation.

A few hours later they had finally reached their destination. It was a relatively large hotel for the area. Erwin knew it was commonly used by the military for journeys like this and the wealthiest nobles would occasionally stay here on route to other places.

"so we're here finally." Stated Erwin relieved. He didn't like being in an enclosed space with people at the best of times let alone with teenagers.

"long time." Added Jean frustrated with the wait. He still was agitated from having seen Eren carry Mikasa bridal style and being unable to argue with Eren to defend Mikasa's honour.

Erwin went up to the hotel counter "we have some rooms booked. Booked under the name Erwin Smith"

"yes I have your reservation for 3 rooms. Do you need any help with your bags?" asked the check-in girl.

"3 rooms? We have 6 people." Argued Erwin. He certainly didn't want to share with hormonal teenagers.

"sorry but only 3 rooms were reserved and we are out of rooms." Responded the girl sheepishly. In truth it was quite busy due to a local lord's upcoming birthday.

"how many beds in each?" asked Erwin hoping that each had more than one bed.

"one double bed in each." Responded the woman behind the desk.

Erwin thought for a moment technically this meant that with the number of people there was enough room for them all but it would mean that sharing was essential "I'll need to organise for a moment." Answered Erwin looking back at the mortified faces behind him. "so you all heard that right?" asked Erwin hoping not having repeat the situation back to them again.

"yeah." Answered Mikasa looking concerned. She looked at who she was with. Her future husband. She really felt Erwin might be about to suggest something unthinkable like that or worse he might suggest she share with Jean.

He still didn't want to share with any of them and he felt that putting any of them together sharing beds right now was a bad idea."so…. who do you want to share with?" asked Erwin awkwardly.

Author notes

The mention of chat up lines was a reference to my story 'Bad chat up lines' because who doesn't love shameless self-promotion.

The coffee scene was partially inspired by 'ways to get kicked out of the recon corps' which is a definitely worth a read.