Chapter 9 – Chide

The cheerful songs of thrushes and warblers filled the chilly, misty air, their singers full of zest for life. Under normal circumstances it was a beautiful thing, a familiar symphony that always reminded her of her former home. She would wake with a smile, turn in her comfy bed and pull the blanket a bit tighter. But this morning their volume seemed exceptionally loud. Perhaps because she was out in the open, but to her it almost seemed as if the sounds were reverberated in between the stone walls, their harmony disturbed by the echoes and far too many singers at once that were far too loud for comfort.

Truth be told, all she wished was them to just shut up and leave her in peace for another hour or two.

Frowning in a groan, she buried her face into the crook of one arm, craving for some more moments of peace as she curled in tighter to conserve some warmth. It would have been easy to say that the night was in any way better than the one before, considering her worn constitution and the scrambled head she had to deal with the last day. But that turned out to be wishful thinking. The only change for good was that she hadn't been plagued by nightmares or despair, but to say that she had slept well for it would be a downright lie. With the night sky clear of any shrouds it had been terribly cold, and the makeshift "bedding" had turned out utterly useless. She could as well have slept on the bare rock, or at least that's how she felt. Too busy with quivering incessantly, she wasn't given much time for sleep at all, and the muscle's tension didn't help its soreness either. After two or three hours of chattering teeth she had even come to the point to search for the titan's vicinity, not caring anymore about any possible risk only for her desire for warmth. But the idea vaporized quicker than it had materialized. Even though his frequent breaths were proof of his working metabolism, he didn't do as much as to stir at her voice, even as she lifted it from the hesitant whisper to lower calls. Just like any other titan, it seemed that he, too, was caught in nocturnal stasis. And with the scarce light of night, there was no point in even trying to climb the escarpment. Sure, it was terribly uncomfortable, but she wasn't suicidal enough to climb with blindfolds on. So, she ended up curled into a shaky ball for hours to wait impatiently for the warming rays of daybreak.

She couldn't tell how long she remained in her curled posture, but the next time she woke it was by the soothing feeling of warmth on her skin. Finally, the sun had made it over the tops of the mountain range. It was about time it showed up.

Yawning widely, she started to move her toes and fingers, almost surprised that they still obeyed despite their stiffness. She took her time to sit up fully and pool her thoughts, rubbing her eyes to carefully rid them from the sandy crystals that glued them shut. After all, she hadn't noticed any quakes or other obvious signs of the titan's movements. Most likely, the rays hadn't even reached him yet. But even thought she wished to tease out some more moments of sleep, she knew better than to wait for him to wake first. After all, she still knew next to nothing about him or his intentions. He had proven unexpectedly friendly, yes, but she was wise to stay vigilant around the titan. It would be foolish to think herself safe just now, so she better made sure to be always one step ah—

"GYAAAAAHH!"

Panic kicked her heart to high gears as she scooted backwards on all fours, trying to get her feet beneath until she crashed full force into the back wall. A painful explosion went off in her head as a heavy shockwave went through the stone, strong enough for pebbles to dislocate from the ceiling.

Eyes now fully open in shock, she forced calm her breathing as she stared at the titan in front, the very same from the day before that was now busy rubbing the back of his own head.

"Don't… ever… do this… again" she pressed between the panting

…

"… alright?"

She wondered how long he had been there, hovering right in front of her in ghostly silence. But perhaps it was better not knowing it after all. Being stalked in sleep was one thing, but being stalked by a titan was quite too much. Especially in the morning. Especially when a gargantuan mug was the very first thing to see upon awakening.

A full minute passed until she caught her breath again, finally getting up onto her pair of weary feet. If the near heart-attack wasn't enough, the ever-unrelenting, ubiquitous stings were now accompanied by an equally painful headache.

Heaving a sigh, she stepped forward to the titan that had pulled his head out into the open. Upon hearing her clacking steps, he shot her a fleet glance, his face showing a clearly pained expression with the ears drooped and one hand still resting on the back of his own head. Against all odds, it seemed as if he had been just as surprised as she was. Still, she knew better than to give in to the almost timid look. Seeing him suffer was a surely pitiful, but if she were to hang around with this guy for some more time, it was definitely better to make things clear from the very beginning. Clearing her throat, she succeeded in gaining the attention of the green eyes above.

"Hey, uh… sorry for yelling at you. You just scared quite the shit out of me, you know? I mean it's nice of you to watch over me and all and I appreciate that, really, but people need their privacy as well, right? I'll respect your privacy as well, in return."

A garbled response was all she received, and she wondered if it was too many words for him at once. More likely it was no use talking to a titan about human needs, least privacy issues. But she had to try at least. Perhaps he'd get the idea eventually.

"Anyways… just... give me a minute to wake up properly, alright?"

At this, his expression lightened a tiny bit, and he gave a curt nod in understanding. For a fleet moment she smiled in thanks before turning to stretch off the stiffness. Given how sore she felt, she could have extended the warm up to a full hour, but in the end she shortened it to a few minutes. Not that she felt near to comfortable already, but no matter how much she tried to focus, she failed to ignore the pair of watchful eyes on her back.

Talking about privacy…

Deeming herself movable enough, she sat down on the makeshift bed to take off her shoes. For warmth's sake she had kept them on for the night despite the discomfort. By now, her heels were decorated by first blisters from the many miles of running. Granting them some space felt like balm on the wounds. But more than that, the boots had suffered a lot and the soles were loosening already, rendering them rather useless. Granted, the rest of her attire wasn't in much better condition. Her shirt was all filthy still and the pants even scratched open at a few places, but they remained functional. At least the leather jacket and belt had proven to be more durable.

Relishing the moment for her own, she let her thoughts wander off her companion for the time being. Actually, it was a surprisingly strange feeling to untie the laces. She had never paid attention to it as there was nothing special about it. Next to folding clothes or brushing her teeth it was just another plain element of the everyday morning routine. Under the unexpected change of circumstances however, this habit of no particular value reminded of a life that seemed so far away already. It was hard to believe that she had departed from the headquarters only two days ago, leaving her to wonder when she would be able to make it back – if at all. Still, she had high hopes about the coming day. Something told her that there was more to this titan than it seemed. Deep inside she knew, this titan was the iron lock's key!

She bent over to untie the second shoe, a waft of air running over a spot of bared skin on her lower back. A quick shiver overcame her at the coldness, and she cursed the Scout's jackets that were cut short for increased mobility. At least she didn't have to endure the uncomfortable straps of their ODM gea-

She stilled in her movement as she noticed the cold being replaced by increasing, approaching warmth, heaving a sigh at the unmistakable source. The moment of privacy fell short as it seemed, and she had to admit that this titan's boundless curiosity was starting to cross a line already. She wasn't even given five minutes without interruption, a time span that he was obviously not capable of waiting. But more than that, she couldn't stand the thought of being prodded at like a pet. She needed to make clear that she was still human, and that she was to be treated like one. However, she was wise to not sound rude or even offensive in doing so. Hell knew what would happen if she ever made him angry.

Clearing her throat in a soft yet audible way, she turned her head to look past the shoulders, not making eye contact but watching him from of her periphery to convey the message less directly.

"Look… titan. I can understand that you find me interesting and such, and I don't even mind if you scrutinize me, but could you please be so kind to desist from t- OUCH! HEY!"

A sharp sting lead from the lower back upwards on the little spot of bared skin, the gentle words all forgotten as she spinned around to meet the only titan in question with an excoriating scowl. Said titan however had already darted back his finger, quick as though he just hurt himself with fire. A stressed whine escaped his maw as he kept scrutinizing the finger's tip, eyes holding a question before they looked up and froze upon the expression that awaited them.

For a few, satisfying seconds, she held her stare, but eventually dropped it in a sigh. Forcing calm her state of annoyance, she pulled off the second shoe and stood, crossing her arms to demonstrate at least some extend of authority. Much to her surprise however, the titan averted his gaze as soon as she approached him, looking close to ashamed as if not daring to face her.

At the unexpected sight, her stern expression faltered, and she delved her face into one palm instead. Splendid. Her first day with the mighty titan and she got him upset? As ridiculous as it might sound, despite his gruesome outer appearance he looked nearly as pitiful as a beaten puppy.

She sighed before taking on a more relaxed stance. Granted, it was impossible to stay completely relaxed as she approached the precipice, not only for her recent aggravation. Seeing the towering titan up close would definitely need more than a day to get used to, yet she wanted to demonstrate her trust in him. It was then that the emerald orbs hesitantly met her light brown ones.

"No worries, I'm fine. It wasn't that painful either, really. Just surprising in the first place."

She paused, not sure what to say next as the titan kept looking at her expectantly.

"Ehh.. and… sorry for yelling. Again. It's the overall stress I guess… you know, being in a new environment, and such. I just need some more time to get used to…" She halted in her tracks, gesturing vaguely into his direction until he tilted his head in question.

"well, eh… you know… ehm… everything."

Feeling awkward, it was now hers to avert her gaze, hiding a soft blush on her cheeks. But to her relief, it didn't seem as if he took any offense in the unspoken words.

"Anyways. Rest assured that I'm not angry in any way if that's your concern. After all, I see it wasn't intentional, right?"

His expression changed at these words, the previous confusion quick to be replaced by relief as he nodded in a small smile. He then lowered his head to nuzzle into her, the sudden movement sending her down to the ground again, yet she couldn't help but laugh at his suggestively apologetic gesture.

"Well, what do you know?" She tittered, this time wearing an honest grin as she petted the nose in front of her. "Don't tell me that puppy-dog look is just an act to get some caresses?"

He only gave a blissfull purr in return, nuzzling further into her as she couldn't help but laugh. Seeing that a titan could actually be fond of caresses, not so say cuddly like this one was the very least to be expected. Even though he showed close to human intelligence and other rather human traits as well, the way he behaved and expressed himself had more similarities to an animal, she thought. It was bewildering but at the same time pretty much hilarious.

"Well then" she started to gain his attention after some more thorough nose-rubbing.

"Now that I'm here, what's the plan? I mean, what is it that you guys do the whole day if you're not busy chasing innocent people?" She grinned at what she deemed a funny side note. The titan however didn't seem to get the point, only blinking in a mixture of uncertainty and bewilderment. Not the type for irony as it seemed, but it was worth the try.

Instead of giving an answer, he lifted a hand to place it flat to her feet, and for the split of a second, she wondered what would happen if she rejected his request. Would he let her lead the way if she wanted? Or would he simply snatch her up? Anyways, putting it to the test was probably not the wisest, unless she wanted to upset him from the start on. Or.. not more than she already did, that was. After all, she had to gain his full trust if she were to persuade him for his support. After all, she still needed him to get back home.

For one last time, she glanced back to the flattened sheet of leaves to check if she had forgotten something, only to see that she apparently didn't possess anything except for the pair of broken boots. After a short moment of consideration, she then stepped onto the stage of flesh, using her arms for support as the cold stone being replaced by warm skin beneath her feet. Facing forward, she than sat down on the centre of the palm, prepared for what there was to come.

In awe, she watched the ground grow distant as the titan left his kneeling posture, lifting her even higher than the day before. She swivelled her feet on the spot to move to the shoulder, but then flinched in surprise at an unexpectedly loud sniff from right above her. Turning her head slowly, she met the sight of his face again, which was definitely too close for her comfort. But more than that, there was something about the look in his eyes that made the hair on her neck stand on edge. He was staring intently, the eyes frozen in place with pupils blown wide and dark. They were wide open yet shrouded in what came closest to a state of shock. Whatever thought rested beneath them was distant and unreachable.

"W-what-'s… the mat-ter?" she finally dared to speak, the voice riddled in unease. She knew that he wouldn't do her any harm. After all, he had proven so careful around her. Yet, trepidation seized her further with every second that passed.

Only as she motioned to gain some distance did she notice that his eyes were not fixed on her in whole, but on her lower back in specific. Minus another thought, she reached for the spot he was assumably looking at, surprised to feel it sting on the touch. As she pulled her hand to the front again, it was tainted red.

"Oh…" she breathed, relief washing over her as she found the reason for his uncanny behaviour.

"Well, it's not that bad I think, just a minor scratch. I hadn't even noticed yet, so it's nothing to worry about." She looked back again with a reassuring smile, but the eyes remained fixed on her dorsum, still as stone.

"Did you.. understand me?"

Time crawled by, but he didn't seem to have heard her. Surely it couldn't be the blood that caused his discomfort? After all, he had practically bathed himself in titan blood only two days ago.

Only then it hit her. He was probably new to human physiology.

"Ohh! You're wondering why it doesn't vanish as usual, am I right?"

Finally, at these words, the titan blinked and turned to meet her eyes, the previous hollowness now replaced by bewilderment.

"Well, as strange as it might seem to you, I fear that humans don't regenerate as quickly as your kind. It will heal eventually, but it takes some days for us. And our body temperature is not high enough for the blood to evaporate, you know? That's why it's still visible"

She feared to have said something too complicated as the titan looked overstrained at first, but then he muffled a mewl, ears drooping as he tried to express his apologies again.

"Don't worry about it. I still believe you're a good boy, aren't ya?" She grinned widely as she patted his palm in reassurance, voice altered into a playful tone. The expression that followed was priceless. Apparently, he was smart enough to pick up on her comparison.

"Well then" she added after regaining her composure.

"Honestly. What are we going to do?"

Finally, the titan turned and made his first step, the unexpected impacts still unfamiliar to her.

He took a different direction this time, heading not for the aisle but for a spot to its left, but before she could ask where they were aiming to go, he stopped abruptly at the tree line. A moment of hesitation or perhaps consideration followed that he scrutinized the leafy branches, until he turned on the spot. For a moment it seemed like he was about to head back again, but her suspicion was quickly refuted as his other hand emerged right in front of her.

"Ehh.. titan?" She asked, intending to express her doubts but finding her voice stuck as the giant hand became only inches from her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she could hear a presumably reassuring rumble, but it didn't help her open discomfort as her stare riveted onto the approaching menace.

"Titan, w-what are you… w-wait!" She protested in an attempt to be assertive. A futile attempt, apparently.

She ducked inward just in time as the fingers brushed over her head, and the next moment she found herself encompassed in darkness. She blinked in disorientation, finding herself cupped but not grabbed by any means. Even though, technically speaking it didn't make that much of a difference… Either way, she was left without sight, feeling somewhat subjected…

She was just about to express her clear disapproval, as the titan started to move again, the sudden jostle sending her down onto her back. She flinched at the sudden noise of cracking wood that was exceptionally loud, most definitely brushing over the fleshy barriers all around her. It was then, that she realized. He was only sparing her from the scratching branches. He was actually being nice to her.

If there was light, one would have surely witnessed her cheeks turning red. As things seemed to be, she had misinterpreted the titan's intentions and thought him wrong… again.

She sighed, allowing herself to relax now that she didn't see peril in her confinement. Shifting a bit on the spot, she reclined fully into the palm for a more stable position in the swaying steps. Admittedly though, she couldn't deny just how nice it was to not lie on cold stone for a change. Only now she noticed just how tired she was, and embraced the warmth that seeped through the attire.

Only for a minute… she thought as she looked up against the fleshy barriers for a last time. Now that her eyes had adapted to the darkness, she noticed a tint of red covering the fleshy barriers that turned into even brighter shades in the gaps between the fingers.

Like a scarlet night, veiling the dark.