Additional Pairings: N/A

Rating: T (Language and Implied Violence of minors)

Words: 8155

Inspired By: Suteki Da Ne (Final Fantasy X, Distant Worlds Version), Safe and Sound (Taylor Swift & ), and Your Guardian Angel (Redjumpsuit Apparatus)

Notes: This was never my original intention for this day lol I was gonna do something completely different but then there was that beautiful picture by lolakasa and I mentioned to eremikadefensesquad how much I still wanted to do a Hunger Games crossover, she said but what it they were childhood friends when they go picked AND HERE WE ARE. I'm trash what can I say?

Even if Saving You Sends Me to Heaven

(Day 12 – Post Apocalyptic)

Eren dreamed about it sometimes. Being trapped like an animal, being hunted down, unable to move, to fight. The worst was opening his eyes and seeing someone he knew staring down at him, a gun to his head. His back pressed up against the body someone he couldn't save, and his life flashing before his eyes before it was over, before his life was over at seventeen years old. He'd die alone and abandoned, but not really, because thousands of people would be watching it live. The people he loved would watch him get shot down live on TV. He'd wake up, covered in sweat despite the cold of the room. It was just a dream, he'd tell himself. It was just a dream.

"Eren?"Mikasa was normally there, curled up in his bed, suffering from nightmares of a past that never went away.

"It's okay," he'd tell her. "Go back to sleep."

She'd never believe him but she'd lay her head back down on the pillow and wouldn't close her eyes until he was laying down again too. Her presence always brought him comfort, much like he assumed his did for her, but there was only ever one thing on his mind when he tried to fall asleep.

For how long would it be just a dream?

Eren didn't think there was anyone who looked forward to Reaping day. Maybe people in the high districts, but not here. He could look out into the crowd and felt the tension in the air. Armin was practically shaking next to Eren, though whenever ever he looked over Armin had that determined look on his face like he wasn't gonna let anyone know how scared he was. Eren just hated it all. He hated the stupid outfit his mom picked out for him every year, he hated that his mom pretended not to be crying terrified of how this day may turn out, he hated waiting in silence with the rest of the boys, and he hated that he could never find Mikasa on the other side with the girls.

All he wanted was for this to be over with.

A woman walked out onto the stage, dressed in some ridiculous outfit but what more could you expect from the Capital. Eren did recognize Levi walking in behind her though. He looked about as miserable as ever but when you were the only victor from a district forced to mentor kids you knew were just gonna die anyway Eren guessed he'd be pretty miserable too.

"Hello!" The woman beamed, tapping on a microphone. "Thank you all for coming out to support the team that will be representing your district in the Games this year. Oh! My name is Hanji Zoe," the woman gave a bashful smile. "Don't worry, Levi here and I will take great care of your team, one boy and one girl as always."

Levi, who was leaning up against the building the stage was built next to, didn't look like he could even take great care of himself let alone another human being but it's not like they had any other choice.

"Let's start with the boys shall we?" Hanji gave the crowd a thumbs up and if it was possible for the area to go even more quiet it did. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as Hanji's hand reached down for a name.

Eren had no idea how times his name was in there but with his father long gone, Eren had to have his name written down more than just once a year. His mom did what she could but Armin's grandpa was too ill to work, and Mikasa's parents were dead since she was nine. Eren had to do what needed to be done to take care of them. All he knew was if Armin's name was called, Eren would volunteer. He at least knew how to fight; Armin was the one who got beat up by the other kids. He wouldn't even last a minute in the Games.

Hanji unfolded the paper. She gave the crowd a happy grin. "Your first tribute, Eren Jaeger."

Eren froze as suddenly everyone's eyes were on him. Armin grasped onto Eren's sleeve, and he heard a cry from somewhere. There was always this chance, there always was. He turned to Armin who was watching with wide horrified eyes. "It's okay," Eren mouthed, giving him a smile. "It's okay."

Eren straightened his shoulders as he stepped out in the aisle leading up to stage.

"A handsome you man," Hanji cooed. "C'mon up, Eren, c'mon up."

Eren was glad in that moment he didn't know where Mikasa was. He didn't think he could even look her in the eye. He walked up onto the stage, his heart pounding in his chest, and trying to keep his hands from shaking. He'd be okay, this would be okay. Eren knew he was tough, and he did know how to fight. He was always told he knew how to survive and to never give up, he was determined. That would come in handy. He held his head high as he stood next to Hanji.

"Let's give him a round of applause, hmm?"Hanji said, clapping herself.

There was a few bits of halfhearted clapping.

"Okay, to the girls now!" Hanji reached into the next bowl full of names.

Eren couldn't help but feel a little sick at waiting for the person who was his teammate for now but he would eventually have to fight. It was how the world was, but it was horrible thought. He couldn't feel pity though, no, pity wouldn't get him home. He had to come home. He had win this.

"Your female tribute, Mikasa Ackerman."

His stomach lurched so hard he thought he was gonna throw up on the stage. No, no, no. Not her. Someone volunteer for her. Please. Not her. He could only stare in sickening horror as he watched Mikasa walk down the aisle towards the stage, her red scarf blowing behind her, and no one stepping forward to take her place.

"C'mon up here, sweetheart," Hanji said reaching a hand out for Mikasa.

Mikasa wouldn't look at him, she looked anywhere but at him and even though her face looked expressionless, Eren saw the fear in her eyes. He was the one to always go for extra supplies, that way his name would get put in, not hers. He did everything he could to protect her from this. His resolution to come home was dwindling away faster by the second.

"Wish good luck to your tributes, Shiganshina District!" Hanji beamed. "I'm sure they'll do their best to make you proud!"

Someone was grabbing his arm, dragging him back off the stage. "Mikasa!"Eren called but an officer was dragging her in the opposite direction and out of his view. "Mikasa!"

Eren was shut in a room, told he'd have a chance to say a word with his family before the train left for the Capital. Everything was happening so fast. He tried to ask where Mikasa was but no one answered him. He always knew this could happen. He always did but he wasn't prepared for it when did.

The door opened and Armin timidly walked in, his eyes red.

Eren quickly pulled him into a hug. "Can I trust you to keep everything together here?"

"Of course," Armin's voice was choked. "Of course you can. Eren, what…what're you gonna do?"

Eren could ask himself the same question but he already knew. He made his choice the moment Mikasa's name was called. He pulled away, grabbing a hold of Armin's face so he would look Eren in the eye. "Mikasa's coming home, okay? I'm gonna make sure of it. I want you to look after her when she does. She's gonna need someone."

Armin nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "Okay, okay I can do that."

"Promise me, please."

The door was opening again, someone was reaching in to pull Armin back outside.

"I promise, Eren, I-" Armin was gone and the door was shut.

Eren ran his hands through his hair as he paced the small room he was in. He made his choice. Her life was worth more than his, he always knew that. He knew it right when he found her tied up and terrified, at the mercy of the men who murdered her family for food and money. Eren killed for her that day, and he'd do it again in a heartbeat if he had to. In the Games he knew he'd have to.

The door opened again and this time it was his mom, her hand over her mouth as she cried.

"Ma," Eren said but he didn't get the chance to say anything else, she pulled him into a tight hug.

"You be safe, you hear me?" She said, her voice choked with tears but it still came out as strong as it always did. "And you look after Mikasa in the Capital. Those people aren't like they are here,you have to take care of her."

Eren rubbed her back, trying to bite back the way his eyes were stinging. This was hard enough for him but he couldn't imagine what it was like for his mom. He was her only child, and Eren knew she looked at Mikasa like her own daughter. Carla was either getting one child coming home or none at all. Eren wasn't sure which option was worse for her.

"Ma, I'd never let anything happen to Mikasa. You know that right?" It was the only way he could manage to get out that it was Mikasa was coming him, not him.

Carla pulled away, and pressed her hand to Eren's cheek, sad sort of smile on her lips. He couldn't tell if it was because she was proud of his choice or heartbroken by it; knowing his mom it was probably a mix of the both. "Of course I know that, baby."

"I love you, Mom."

The door was opening again and she was getting pulled away from him. "I love you too, Eren."

He was left alone. No one else came and no one else needed to. The only person he'd want to say goodbye to was in another room saying goodbye to the same people. Eren leaned up against the wall and slide down to the floor. He dropped his head into his hands and didn't move until he felt the train started to jerk down the tracks, leading him to the Capital and his chosen fate.

Eren wasn't sure how much time had gone by but he nearly jumped when there was a knock on the door.

"Eren Jaeger?"

"Ah, yeah?" he said wiping his eyes and pushing himself up to his feet as the door opened.

It was some attendant Eren never saw before. "Your mentor and your partner are waiting for you in the dining car."

Eren's heart leapt at the thought of finally getting to see Mikasa, finally getting to talk to her. He followed the attendant down out in the wall, the world passing by quickly through the windows of the train. The attendant gestured to a door and waited for Eren to enter. Okay, it was really bizarre being waited on.

"Thanks," he mumbled and walked into what he assumed was the place feasts happen. Eren was pretty sure he had never seen so much food in his life. His mouth was watering just looking at the tables that barely had room for plates.

"Are you just gonna drool or are you gonna sit your ass down?"

Eren jumped at the sound of Levi's voice. Sure enough, the dark haired man was sitting on the other side of the table, a glass in his hand and eyes still looking as disinterested as he did every time Eren saw him. "Ah, yeah, sorry, sir."

Levi snorted. "I'm no sir, kid, Levi is fine."

Mikasa was already sitting down opposite Levi. She looked up when Eren went to take a seat next to her and he tried to give her a smile but it probably came out as more of a grimace. He wanted to talk to her, reassure her that everything was gonna be okay but he couldn't do that in front of Levi.

"They're making me do this, if I had my choice I could just sleep my way to the Capital." Levi took a swig of whatever was in his glass, but Eren had a feeling it wasn't water. "But since I gotta somehow turn you brats from ratty street kids to warriors in less than a week here I am."

Eren didn't take offence to Levi's words. No one wanted to be in this situation but they were forced to, year after year.

"So enlighten me, is there anything you two are good at?"

Eren glanced over to Mikasa but she had her eyes in her lap, playing with the edge of her scarf.

"She mute?" Levi asked looking to Eren. "I haven't heard her utter a goddamn word."

"Uh, no, just quiet," Eren said.

Levi leaned back in his chair gesturing for one of them to talk.

"Mikasa, she's fast," Eren offered. "And strong, she's been flipping me on my ass since we were kids. She's also good with a sword."

Mikasa looked up at him, her eyes questioning. Eren motioned to Levi, telling her it was okay. It's not like they could get in trouble here.

"Sword, huh," Levi said. "How'd you manage that in Shiganshina?"

"My mom," Mikasa said though she didn't look Levi in the eyes at all.

Lev didn't pursue the question. "What about you, kid? Got any secret talents?"

"Not really," Eren shrugged. "She always showed me up."

"That's not true." Mikasa's voice was so firm it nearly took him by surprise. "You're a good fighter."

"I appreciate it, Mika, but hand to hand isn't gonna get me far in a place where everyone will have a weapon."

"Given up already?" Levi snorted.

Eren felt his chest clench and his eyes narrow. "No, I haven't. I was just stating how it is. You should know." Who the hell did Levi think he was? Given up already? Levi had no idea what he was giving up.

"Yeah, I do." Levi leaned forward on the table and despite his smaller stature Eren felt a jolt of fear go down his spine. "So I know if you can disarm someone with you bare hands to beat the shit out of them then it's gonna fucking come in handy. Think before you run your mouth, brat."

"Sorry," Eren mumbled.

Levi leaned back in his chair again but didn't acknowledge Eren. "So what, are you two related or something? Everyone heard the way you were calling after her at the Reaping, kid."

Eren felt his face flush. He wasn't really thinking about all the other people there, just Mikasa and how they were dragging her away from him without a word. "No," he muttered. "We've known each other since we were kids."

"Whatever," Levi shrugged. "If you know each other it could come in handy for the show."

Mikasa's forehead furrowed in confusion and Levi must've noticed cause he rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, seriously? You kids are what sixteen? Seventeen? You know how this goes. Once we get to the Capital in the inner walls, you're gonna get dolled up and shit for opening ceremonies and that includes an interview so everyone can get to know you. This shit is important because the more people like you the better sponsors you'll get and then they'll send you helpful items in the Games." Levi drank down the rest of his drink. "So you give a good show cause doubt anyone is gonna care about a girl who never talks and a hot tempered boy."

Eren's hands fisted into the fabric of his pants. What this was a mentor was supposed to be? Someone who just insulted them and then offered little to no help?

Levi stood to his feet. "I'll see you at the Capital, see if they can make you at least look like likable human beings." He was gone before Eren could even get a word out.

It was silent for a moment.

Eren ran his hands through his hair. What were they gonna do? He turned to Mikasa, but she took one look at him and stood up from her chair.

"Mikasa, wait-" Eren tried but she was already out the door. He quickly followed after her, grabbing a hold of her hand before she could get too far. "Just, wait, okay?"

She turned to face him, her hand pulling her scarf over her mouth. Her eyes looked redder than he remembered in the room. "What're we gonna do, Eren? I can't just sit back and let someone kill you. I can't do this. It's not fair."

"Hey, hey." He reached up to hold her face in his hands. "It's the way it is. It's the way it's always been. We can't get out of it, we know that. So we'll go and do what we're supposed to. We'll train and get stronger so we have a fighting chance, okay?"

Mikasa didn't look convinced but she nodded. "We have to do this together. Promise me, we'll do this together."

Eren felt his heart sink. He couldn't ever tell her about the choice he already made. Mikasa would never allow it, but he wasn't asking her permission. This was for her own good.

"Please," she said tears welling up in her eyes. "I can't do it without you."

"Okay," he said. "Okay." He pulled her into his arms, her hands pressed up against his chest. "I promise."

Eren never felt guiltier in that moment when he felt her tears against his neck, knowing he was gonna break his promise to her. For now at least, he could keep it and maybe in the end that would be good enough. "Hey, remember when we found that sick cat?"

"The one that wouldn't stop following you around?"Mikasa asked, her voice a little lighter.

He snorted. "Yeah, that was the one and I took it home cause I thought my dad could help it, but he was like what am I supposed to do with this? I'm not a vet, Eren."

"He still helped the cat anyway and she lived for a few long years after that. Much to your mom's dismay."

Eren didn't know where he was going with that story but at least Mikasa stopped crying. They had a good life together, short , yeah, and hard sometimes, but good. He didn't think he'd ever regret giving his life for her when the time came. He saved her life once; maybe this is what he was always meant to do, to protect her. He held onto her and didn't let her go until the tall, bright buildings of the Capital were looming in the distance.

It was like a whirlwind, like most all this day had been. He couldn't even find himself impressed with the massive city in front of him. Eren was exhausted and just wanted to sleep but he found himself being ushered off the train by Hanji with Mikasa by his side and Levi trailing behind them. There was a crowd of people waiting for them, all dressed similarly so he assumed they were gonna take them to wherever they were staying.

He was wrong.

"Okay," Hanji clapped her hands together. "First things first we need to get you two in fighting shape for your introductions today!" She snapped her fingers and a few girls reached out to Mikasa, pulling her gently towards them while a few other girls reached out to pull Eren in the other direction.

Panic seized his heart as he remembered his promise to his mom. "Hey, hey, wait!" He shouted as Mikasa looked back at him, being taken away. "Where the hell are you taking her?" He pulled his arm out of one of the girl's hands. "Answer me! Where're you taking her!"

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he glanced over to see Levi standing there. "Are you always this loud?"

Eren went to wrench his shoulder out from Levi's touch. "I'm supposed to be looking out for her," Eren growled. "How the hell can I do that when I don't even know where they're taking her?"

"Oh, dear," Hanji said with a laugh. "They're just taking her to get her cleaned up and in her dress. Can't have boys and girls in the same room you know."

He still didn't like it, but he did feel a little stupid. He supposed that made sense.

"Remember how I said your childhood whatever relationship with her could come in handy?" Levi asked, his eyebrow arched

"Yeah," Eren grunted.

"Me and you are gonna have a little talk, kid."

If Eren thought the outfit his mom always picked out for Reaping day was uncomfortable then this one was about a hundred times worse. They tried to stay true to the rustic nature of Shiganshina so the outfit was pretty simple; a kinda white shirt thing and a vest over it with simple pants and shoes that pinched his feet. He could've done without the make up on his face whatever they did to his hair though.

Not to mention he was waiting his turn in the wing of the stage waiting to go out in front of hundreds, maybe thousands of people in the audience as well as all the people watching live in all the Districts as well. No big deal. Eren wanted to throw up.

He felt someone squeeze his hand and looked over to see Mikasa standing next to him, her interview right after his. It wasn't the first time he saw her since she got back from her own make over and he was grateful for that. He could barely breathe when he saw her walk out in her brown gown, her hair done up with the lavender flowers from their home; they even let her keep her scarf around her neck. He could still see Mikasa in there, in her dark eyes and dark hair, but she just looked…even more beautiful. Eren wanted to tell her that, but he couldn't find his voice whenever he looked at her.

The audience went up in cheers and Eren looked back to see Erwin Smith standing to his feet, Eren's name falling from his mouth. Mikasa had to nudge Eren to get him to move.

The stage lights were blinding, flashes going off, and people screaming and shouting. Eren gave his best smile like Hanji told him to, and reached out to shake the much taller man's hand. Eren really did feel like he was gonna throw up

"Eren Jaeger," Erwin smiled sitting down and winking out to the audience as they started to quiet down. "From the Shiganshina District, how wonderful to have you here."

Yeah, sat down in the chair, leaning back and giving Erwin another toothy grin. "Thank you, it's wonderful to be here in a city where one building is bigger than my town. It's astounding." Levi said to play up the naïve country boy act, that it would make him more likable and less like they wanted to punch him in the face. Levi really did have a way with words.

The crowd laughed and gave him some more cheers.

"I take it you've enjoyed your time here so far, Eren?"

"Oh yes, Erwin, I definitely have. I can't wait to see more of it."

Erwin smiled. "Good, good, but tell me, Eren. You're such a handsome boy, if you don't mind me saying so."

Eren gave a laugh he hoped didn't sound forced; this is what Levi had to coach him on. "No, not at all, continue."

The crowd and Erwin laughed again.

"You have to have some girls back home who just fawn over you, c'mon, give us some details. We want to know don't we?"

The crowd started to shout in encouragement.

"Well, uh," Eren started trying what he hoped looked like a kinda bashful smile. "I never really paid too much attention if they did."

Erwin made a knowing noise, winking over to the audience. "Had someone on your mind already then?"

Eren reached up to scratch the back of his head innocently, smiling as he did. "Well, yeah, there was the one girl but I never got to tell her how I felt."

The audiences made some sappy, sad noises.

"I'm sure when you get home as the victor that'll be the perfect time, hmm?"

Eren leaned forward in his chair. "Well, Erwin, that's where it gets a little difficult."

"Why's that?"

Eren's throat was dry, his heart racing in his chest and he knew it was because of the words he was told to say but he couldn't understand why. "Because she came here with me."

The crowd went up in exclamations of excitement which made Eren feel sick. Saying those words aloud made his heart sink in a way he didn't know it could.

Erwin smiled brightly as he reached out to shake Eren's hand. "How about we hear what she has to say then, Eren, cause I'm pretty sure you just told her."

Eren gave another bashful smile. "I suppose I did, huh." He stood up and waved to the cheering crowd as he walked off the stage where Levi was waiting for him.

"Nice work, kid," he said as Erwin was calling Mikasa's name.

Eren's stomach was turning. "Thanks," he muttered, watching Mikasa walk across the stage.

"Mikasa Ackerman," Erwin said, sitting back down as Mikasa did. "How was that for an introduction? Did you know your partner had those feelings for you?"

Mikasa had her hand pressed to her chest looking like she was still trying to catch her breath or something, her eyes bright. She knew the plan of course, Levi had coached her separately. "Honestly, Erwin, I had no idea. I don't even know what to say right now, I'm so sorry."

The crowd gave her some cooing cute noise.

"How about we start with you then, have you known Eren long?"

Mikasa nodded, a warm smile pulling at her lips. "A very long time. He's one of my oldest and dearest friends."

Wow, Levi must've coached her good because Mikasa was never that open with strangers.

"Tell us about how you met then," Erwin prompted.

"Well," Mikasa started looking out to the crowd. "We come from a poorer district, you know, and sometimes people do very drastic things for food or money."

No, no, no, Eren wanted to say. He wanted to run back out there and tell her not to do it. That memory still hurt her, how could she be forced to say it in front of all these strangers for show? No, this was too much; he wouldn't let her do this.

Levi held Eren's shoulder. "She volunteered the story, kid."

"I was nine when some men broke into my house, Erwin. They killed my parents and tied me up. I didn't think I'd ever see daylight again but then, there was a knock on the door, and this boy came in. He tricked the men who had me and saved my life."

"And that was Eren?" Erwin asked.

"Yes," Mikasa said with a smile, her eyes brightening in such a way that Eren's breath caught in his throat. "That was Eren. He took me to safety and when I told him I was cold, that I had no home to go to now he turned around to face me." She held up the end of her scarf. "He wrapped his scarf around me and told me that we were going home. He's been my best friend ever since that day."

There was an emotion in her voice that Eren couldn't place. Yeah, she wore that thing every since he gave it to her, but the way she was talking about it…it was like…like…Eren didn't even know how to explain it.

The crowd started cheering and cooing again.

"Well, Mikasa, judging by the way you told that story," Erwin smiled. "I'd say that Eren isn't the only one who never told his feelings."

Her face flushed and the crowd cheered. "Oh, Erwin," she said, laughing a little. She said something else but Eren didn't catch it, he was too astounded by how well she was acting.

"Levi, how long did you coach her to get her to do that?" Eren asked.

Levi snorted. "Kid, you're gonna need to learn how to open your eyes if you're gonna last in this thing."

Eren turned to ask Levi what the hell he was going on about, but Mikasa was already walking towards them, the crowd screaming for her.

"C'mon, Hanji'll want to praise you and shit, let's go."

Mikasa followed without looking over to Eren at all. He scrambled to follow behind them but he couldn't get the interviews off his mind. It was staged, that's all it was; something to get the crowd to root for the both of them, the childhood sweethearts from Shiganshina.

Then why did it seem so right when he said the words? Why did Mikasa look like she had felt that way her whole life? Why did it feel so real?

"So tell me about your opponents," Levi said, walking in a slow pace in front of the couch Eren was sitting on with Mikasa. "You've spent hours training with them. What've you picked up?"

Eren rolled his head back against the couch. It seemed kinda sick to be working with the people he was expected to kill but he knew there was no questioning the system. "Um, I'm pretty sure Bertholdt is strong enough to break down a damn wall. He was throwing stuff around like it was nothing."

"Good," Levi nodded. "But don't rely on it. No one is gonna give away all their secrets in there. He's from the same district as Ymir. Did you see anything of her?"

"No idea honestly. She kinda just sat around and acted like she didn't care at all."

"Be careful of her, she keeps her secrets close. Mikasa?"

She shrugged. "Sasha showed me some tips to tracking in exchange for teaching her how to lift a heavy object correctly."

"Sometimes others will offer help for something in exchange," Levi said like he didn't care too much for that tactic. "Sasha and Connie, they come from agriculture district. How did they come off to you?"

"They kept goofing off," Eren said. "But Sasha never missed her target with her bow."

"If this arena is in nature they have the upper hand, don't forget that. What else?"

Eren tried to rack his brain over the exhausting hours he spent in training. "Annie. I watched her take down her partner, Reiner, and he was like double the size of her. She must've seen me watching cause she offered to help me a little. She was really good at hand to hand, probably better than me but she taught me some new stuff."

Levi arched an eyebrow. "Did she ask for something in return?"

"Ah, no?"

Mikasa made some kinda noise but when Eren looked over she wasn't even watching him.

Levi sat down in one of the chairs. "What about allies? Anyone you think you can team with at least for a little bit? Sometimes it can help."

Basically he was asking if they made any friends and the thought had Eren's stomach turning.

"Jean was nice," Mikasa said. "He showed me how to tie knots and how to use rope in different ways."

"Jean was an asshole," Eren grunted, crossing his arms against his chest.

"Did you seriously already get into a fight with someone?" Levi asked, though his tone said he wasn't too surprised.

"He started it," Eren said. It wasn't a lie. Jean wouldn't leave Mikasa alone, and while Eren didn't mind while Jean was teaching her something that might help her survive, enough was enough after a while. Marco, who was from the same District as Jean, broke them up before they actually threw any punches but what the hell did that guy think he was doing? Think he was gonna get a girlfriend in the arena? Think he was gonna get close to her just to stab her in the back? Hell no. The only person who could look after Mikasa was Eren, and no one was gonna get in the way of that.

"Look, I'll never admit to being someone who gets along with everyone."

Hanji who was sitting at the table nearby started to laugh, getting a glare from Levi.

"But making enemies before you even get in there is not smart. They won't hesitate to kill you in the arena, and sometimes you need that hesitation."

Eren looked away from Levi's gaze. Yeah, yeah, Eren knew that shit. He just hated the way Jean was looking at Mikasa. It nearly made his blood boil in the room.

Levi reached up to run a hand through his hair before leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. "Do you two brats have a plan for going in?"

"I'll run and get supplies," Mikasa said. "I'm faster, I have a better chance at getting out."

Eren couldn't really argue that even if that thought of her heading right into the blood bath nearly made his heart stop. "I can run past and away from the others. I'll leave something for her to track so she can find me and we'll stick together from there."

Something flashed in Levi's eyes but it was gone too quickly for Eren to recognize what it was. Levi pushed himself to his feet. "Whatever the hell you want to do." He grabbed a glass off the table where Hanji was sitting and didn't stop until he was out of the room.

"Don't mind him," Hanji said with her usual wide smile. "I think it's cause he likes you kids too much."

If that was liking someone, Eren really would hate to see Levi hate sighed, his eyes glancing up at the high ceiling of the suite the four of them were staying in. There wasn't much time left now before they'd be sent to the arena. Training was only an ever remainder of that; granted Eren couldn't close his eyes and not be reminded.

"I did want to let you two know," Hanji started, turning her body more towards them and her face practically gushing. "That there are already quite a few people who absolutely love you. Levi was smart to use your friendship, I bet we can get you some great sponsors hmm?"

"Um, Hanji?"Mikasa asked.

Hanji looked a little surprised, like Mikasa had never talked to her before, which might've been the truth. "Yes, dear? What is it?"

"Do you think I can wear my scarf in the arena? You know, help everyone remember the story?"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Hanji beamed. "See, I always knew you'd have what it took. I'll talk to your stylist right now and make sure they can get it on you somehow." She hurried out the door, humming something to herself.

"Are you sure that's really a good idea?" Eren asked, still leaning back against the couch. "Someone could use that against you, or it could get caught on something. We have no idea what we're going into."

Mikasa looked down at her lap, the red fabric around her neck and draping down her chest. "I'll tuck it in somewhere. It could help with the sponsors too like I told Hanji." She paused for a moment. "It just doesn't seem right going in without it. I think I'd like to have it in there."

He tried to ignore the words she left unsaid. She wants to make sure she has it with her when the worst happens. A little piece of home, of him.

"Okay," he said. How could he ever tell her no to that?

It wasn't much of a surprise when the night before the Games came and Eren couldn't sleep. All he could do was sit up in the bed that was much too big for him, sheets that were too soft and try not to think of what was going to come tomorrow. What if someone got to her before he could jump in the way? What if he was killed leaving her alone with all these people who only wanted to see her dead?

"Eren?"

He looked up in the darkness towards the door. He'd know that soft, questioning tone anywhere. "C'mon," he said, opening an arm towards her.

Mikasa slipped up in his bed, laying her head against his chest. It was such a simple and such a familiar act that it made his heart ache. After tonight he'd never have this again. That made his heart ache more than anything else.

They sat in silence, only the noises of the ever awake Capital outside their building. What could he possibly say knowing what he knew he was gonna do? How could he comfort her when he might let her down?

"I think," she started, her voice so clear and firm it almost made him jump. "That I'd like to be like your mom."

Eren's forehead furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I'd like to help people back home. She's taught me some of things she learned before your dad passed. I could help her, and help others." Mikasa looked up to Eren. "What do you wanna do?"

Eren wanted to tell her he just wanted to live in a different world but he quickly realized that wasn't what she was doing. She was trying to give himself something else to focus on, something to hope for. "Oh, I dunno. Maybe I could help look after our town, make sure everyone does at they're supposed to and help the people who need a break. Like an officer but less of a dick."

Mikasa snorted before she was quiet again. The warmth of her presence, her steady heartbeat, her hair tickling his face, they were things he never wanted to forget. The things that calmed him, made him happy, reminded him of home, comforted him really they were all Mikasa. He didn't even have to second guess his choice to make her the victor. He'd always choose her.

"What do you think Armin's doing?"

Eren glanced down at her. "You mean aside from sleeping?" Though, Eren thought maybe Armin was laying awake in bed like the two of them, wondering if he was gonna be forced to watch his two best friends get killed in the morning.

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, aside from sleeping."

It wasn't the first time Eren wondered what their old friend was up to in their absence. Eren hoped Armin was well and not worrying about them too much. Eren knew Armin would hold up his promise though, he always did. "He probably watched all of the ceremonies and thought we looked ridiculous in the interviews."

"I bet your mom didn't."

"No, she probably cried because we finally didn't have dirt smudges on our face from sneaking around in the woods. I'm sure she went around the whole District bragging that she raised the prettiest girl in the Games."

Mikasa laughed a little but they settled back into a comfortable silence. It was always easy with her; being with her was like breathing.

"Eren?"

His breath caught in his throat. "Yeah?"

"Promise we'll always be together?"

Maybe he always knew, and maybe it was just in that one moment when he realized his whole life had always revolved around her from the moment he met her to today and till the end of it all and he knew. He knew why he did what he did for her. "I promise, Mikasa, always."

She shook a bit as tears dripped down her face and Eren held her close to him, his head leaning up against hers. He wanted to tell her. To tell her how much she meant to him before it was too late but how could he do that to her when he knew he was leaving her. It would only make it worse when she was the last one standing. So he held her all night, and dreamed of a future that they might've had but never could now.

His mind whispered over and over again, I love you, Mika, I always have. Please don't ever forget.

Eren stood face to face with the machinery that would take him up to the arena and his impending death. That didn't matter though. She was all that mattered, her life is what mattered.

"You know what you're doing, kid?"

Eren looked up to see Levi leaning up against the doorway. "Guess as much as I can."

"Then tell me, what do you plan to do when you get in there?"

"Run for shelter, leave a way for Mikasa to find me once she…once she gets out with supplies."

"And if she doesn't make it?"

Eren bit his bottom lip. "Then I'll have to survive. Maybe give some dramatic speech or something, get people to pity me." The thought made him feel even sicker. If he lost her he didn't even know if he could fight on, let alone act on his own grief for a Goddamn show. What a joke. This whole thing was a fucking joke.

Levi watched Eren carefully, like the once victor could see right through him. "You have no intention of following any plan do you?"

Eren closed his eyes for a moment before looking back to Levi. "I'll do what it takes to make sure she's safe. That was always the plan."

Levi arched an eyebrow. "Does she know that?"

Eren looked back at the glass tube. She doesn't need to, she'd never let it happen. He knew that. He'd just do what he had to so she could go home.

"Look, kid, I made the same plan when I was in your shoes." He hesitated and Eren glanced over to Levi. His eyes were staring out past the glass. "But she beat me to it. I know what it's like to be one who has to get left behind. Do what you have to but don't do it with any regrets."

That time Eren was surprised. He opened his mouth to ask Levi what happened but Eren supposed he really didn't need to. An alarm went off and the glass tube slide open, a timer started somewhere.

"You asked me how she was acting so well in her interview," Levi said as Eren took a tentative step into the tube. "I hope you know by now that she wasn't acting."

Eren swallowed the lump in his throat. He couldn't even say another word to Levi before he was being shot up. The sunlight was nearly blinding Eren had to reach up to block his eyes. Green filled his vision; trees, grass, woods, outside. They were outside.

He glanced over to the tube next to him, Mikasa watching him already. A canon sounded, and the tubes opened. His stomach clenched and he couldn't breathe but he ran. He ran and ran and didn't look behind him. God, he wanted to look behind him. He wanted to see Mikasa, see if she was okay but the moment he did he'd lose his start. He tried to remember what she taught him so she could track him but hearing pounding footsteps near him made his head blurry.

All he could do was run. He ran and ran, the wind blowing in his face, feet barely fumbling over the uneven terrain, branches hitting him as he went but he couldn't stop. Not yet.

Canons were firing off signaling the death of tributes already. Eren couldn't even count how many he heard, how many people were cut down.

What were they doing? What was he doing? Why did it come to this? Why him? Why her? Eren thought the only thing worse was him sitting at home watching in horror as he wondered if he'd ever see her again. Why was the end of all things here? So far from home, from family, from what he wanted for his life and for her life.

It was the sharp, shooting pain in his chest that made him fall to his knees, his breath coming out in jagged pants. He tried to keep himself as quiet as he could in case anyone was around him but even over his own pounding heart in his ears, he couldn't hear a thing. Not an animal, not a person, not even a breeze. Nothing.

He had no idea how far he ran, how big this place even was. All around him were trees, rocks, dirt, leaves, branches but there was no end in sight. He knew he should keep moving in case someone he didn't want tracking him was. He had no weapon but his own hands, nothing to hunt with, nothing to survive with. If people found him now he'd be at a huge disadvantage especially if they had a ranged weapon let alone the traps already set up in this place. If Mikasa…if she wasn't coming for him then he'd be dead. At least he'd take down as many as he could with him for hurting her. It would be the only thing he could do.

Eren shook the thoughts out of his head, sweat dripping down his forehead. He couldn't afford to think like that, not in here.

So he waited. He tried to hide himself as best he could in the terrain, tried to get a vantage point but he wandered into an area that was all flat, no higher ground to take cover with. He waited and waited and didn't even know how much time went by.

Another canon shot made him jump. He supposed if he made it to the night he'd see the people he trained with those short times who didn't make it past the first day. Mikasa was still coming though, she was quick. No one could ever catch her in Shiganshina, not even the older kids. She was quick and smart. She'd be okay. She had to be okay. She couldn't be gone not even giving him the chance to save her.

Eren knew about the physical challenges he'd have to face, ones he could conquer or not, but no one told him about the way your mind plays over the worst possible scenarios over and over again as you sit with no one or thing in sight. Another canon shot. Eren ran his hands through his hair, eyes staring down at the ground.

The cracking of leaves, of a branch had his body tensing up instantly. He lifted his hands in a defensive posture but dropped almost immediately. Mikasa was standing a little bit away from him, a weapon of some sort on her back and a backpack being held so tightly in her hand he could see the white of her knuckles. His stomach lurched instead feeling relief. She was covered in blood, from her face to the outfit she was wearing.

"Jesus." Eren ran over to her, trying to see if there were wounds on her body but she shook her head before he could.

"It's not my blood." Her voice was barely above a whisper when her eyes met his. "It's not…it's not my blood."

The backpack fell to the forest ground when Eren pulled her into his arms, her head falling limply against his chest and her hands gripping on to his arms. She was alive. She was okay. He didn't know what she had to do to survive that, to get the things she did but she did it. Mikasa, she had what it took to win this and he'd make sure of it.

He reached up to take her face in his hands, trying to wipe off some of the blood with his fingers. "I promise you, nothing will ever happen to you. Not here, not ever. I promise. I won't let anything happen to you here. I'm here to protect you, please, don't ever forget it."

Her dark eyes started to get glossy as she understood what he was trying to tell her. She opened her mouth probably to object but he didn't let her.

When he kissed her, he knew it had absolutely nothing with putting on a good show and everything to do with the girl he loved. He just hoped when the time came, she'd know he'd do it all again for her.