Chapter 6

Mikasa's last couple of months have been strange. First, joining the Cadets with Eren and her friends. Then, after joining Eren was acting strangely around her. He was still hot-headed and easily annoyed by her being protective of him, but he was kinder to her at the same time. He cared about her well-being more often than usual and was doing little things for her. Like taking her plates or bringing her water after physical training. She wasn't quite sure what's gotten into him, but she was more than happy about it.

She was far happier that Eren became so caring. But at the same time, she was getting a lot of different ideas. Perhaps he was feeling bad about berating her? Or maybe he has feelings for her? She wasn't sure.

„So, you think that Eren is acting weird?" -Finn asked, hiding his amusement."And you're telling me that now?"

„Well, it's not like it was a problem." -She said, trying not to blush."But he seems kinder to me, don't you think?"

„Maybe he's finally growing up?" -He suggested with a smile."It's about time if you ask me."

„I don't know." -She said with worry."That's why I'm asking you."

„Maybe he likes you?" -Mikasa used her scarf to hide the blush.

„Likes me….?" -She whispered with a faint smile."You think so?"

„Well, more like developing feelings, but yeah." -Finn said with a grin."But I don't think that they will go any further right now."

„Eh? Why?" -She asked, her eyes widened."What do you mean? We're a family…"

„It's not like Eren's parents adopted you." -Finn stated with a shrug."Besides, I'm pretty sure everyone thinks that you love him. It's kinda obvious…"

„Oh…" -Mikasa was not sure how to respond to that."So why won't they go any further?"

„Because you're overprotective." -Finn explained with a sigh.

„But, it's because Eren is reckless…" -She defended herself.

„True, but at the same time you're pushing him away." -He replied, and Mikasa looked at him confused."It's not like I don't get it. You love him and don't want him to get hurt." -He paused to take a deep breath."I think there is a reason why he's getting angry at you."

„Why is that?" -She asked, though she didn't want to hear it.

„Because you might be reminding him of his mother." -Finn said sadly. Mikasa stared at him with shock.

„What?" -Mikasa asked, not understanding.

„The way you're acting toward Eren sometimes reminds me of Miss Yeager." -Finn explained while not looking at her."Mikasa, I understand why care so much about him. But at the same time, you're hurting him."

„I'm…hurting him?" -She was ready to cry. Mikasa didn't even think about it that way.

„Hey, it's not like you're doing it on purpose." -Finn said kindly. He was really regretting telling her that. But at the same time, He wanted to help her."There is nothing bad with caring about the person you love. But if you keep holding his hand, Eren won't learn and grow. I know it might sound cruel, but I really want you two to be happy."

„I didn't know…I just wanted to help him." -Mikasa explained, dropping her head.

„It's okay, Mikasa." -Finn said, placing his hand on her shoulder."Mikasa, you need to let him grow. You have to trust and believe him. You have to try…"

„It's not that easy…" -She said weakly.

„I know. But life isn't easy." -Finn said with a sad smile."But he needs it. There is an old saying, you know? If you love somebody, you set them free… and if they really love you they'll come back…"

Mikasa wasn't sure what to say. She wanted Eren to love her back, but at the same time, she was stopping him from doing so. She was forcing herself on him this entire time. Even if she did it because she cared. What Finn said was true. If she keeps being like this, Eren will never truly love her. She needs to set him free, while also being there for him.

„I will try…" -She finally said. Mikasa looked up to see Finn giving her a reassuring smile."I'll do it for him."

„And I and Armin will be there as well." -He promised, and Mikasa smiled.

„Thank you." -Mikasa said."It was harsh but true. I'll try to act a little bit less protective from now on. Even if it might hurts…"

„I'm glad…" -Finn said with relief."Who knows? Maybe you two will be dating in a few months?"

At that Mikasa blushed and looked away.

„What about You and Annie?" -Mikasa asked, trying to change the topic."You two seemed to be getting along…"

„Eh? What? We're just friends." -Finn said with a nervous chuckle.

„You've been spending a lot of time with her." -Mikasa stated, trying to get back at him."You two don't have a thing going?"

„No, We're not." -Finn said tiredly, trying not to blush."I don't think she has any feelings for me anyway. It's hard for her to open up."

„Still, you're the only person she's practically talking to." -Mikasa stated, making Finn feel embarrassed."You sure there is nothing?"

„I don't want any misunderstanding between us." -Finn admitted with a sad smile. He did like her, but he knew that she might not feel the same way. Finn was fine with it."It's alright. I shouldn't expect anything."

'Finn…' -Mikasa thought. She could understand how he felt. Even though she didn't trust Annie, she would never say it to him.'If Annie hurts him… She'll be in a world of pain.'

„Anyway, I wanted to ask you something." -Finn said, and Mikasa perked up."Do you know when's Annie Birthday?"

„Oh? I'm sorry, I don't know." -Mikasa said, surprised by why she just heard."You want to buy her something?"

„Sort of…" -Finn said with a small blush."Hmm, do you know anyone who would know?"

„Maybe Reiner and Bertholdt know?" -Mikasa said."I think they're from the same village. Maybe they know something."

„Alright. I'll go and ask them." -Finn said with a smile."Thanks, Mikasa."

„Annie's birthday? Why do you want to know it?" -Reiner asked, crossing his arms.' Don't tell me they're getting too close…'

„I thought that maybe I'll buy her a gift." -Finn replied with a shrug.

„Well…" -Bertholdt trailed off. He felt awkward and a little jealous."Annie's not that big on birthdays. I don't think she celebrates them."

„Well, getting a gift isn't too much." -Finn said and scratched the back of his head.

„Well, it's in two days." -Reiner said, surprising Bertholdt."So, March 22th."

„Eh?! Really? I would never guess." -Finn said.' Shit…That's not a lot of time. I gotta go and buy something.'

„But as I said, she's not big on birthdays" -Reiner reminded."So don't go overboard."

„Alright, Alright, I get." -Finn waved him off. Hearing the bell, Finn turned around."It's time for a night training. See you later, guys!" -And with that, Finn was gone.

„Hey Reiner, why did you tell him?" -Bertholdt asked.

„To Test Annie…" -Reiner said, keeping his eyes on fading form of Finn."She got awfully close to Finn. I want to know where her loyalties lie."

„But…Aren't We doing the same thing?" -Bertholdt said looking down."We shouldn't be getting too close to those 'devils'…"

„Yeah, but unlike Annie, We're doing this on purpose." -Reiner explained."They won't be suspecting us if We become their comrades."

„I see. That makes sense." -Bertholdt agreed.

„Heh, if she passes then you might have a chance." -Reiner said teasingly, making Bertholdt blush."It's not like We have a long time to live. Might as well try…"

„I don't know what are you talking about." -Bertholdt said, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Anyway, I'm going to train. See you…."

„See you later, Bert." -Reiner said with a big grin.

Annie was tired. Very tired. For the past couple of months, she's been taking risky night missions to the Wall Sina. After all, they were looking mainly for the Founding Titan. That was their mission. Despite having three-squad members, including herself, she was the only one pulling the weight. Reiner and Bertholdt were playing soldiers on the other hand. Everything was practically falling on her shoulders. Because of that, Annie was affected both mentally and physically. Sometimes it was even affecting her performance in training.

Fortunately for her, there was someone who could take her mind off her issues. Finn Broed. Quite an extraordinary person. Very popular amongst his peers, caring, and talented. Despite that, he didn't really hang out with everyone in the Training Corps. While he had a small group of friends, for some reason he was hanging out with Annie. Not that she asked for it or anything.

But she wasn't totally against it. It was quite relaxing. He never told her to smile or talk when she didn't want to. They often enjoyed the silence together. The training was great too. They could learn a lot from each other. Finn was able to learn new techniques on how to subdue somebody, while Annie was taught new ways of using her kicking techniques.

Annie knew she shouldn't let him get closer to her. She also didn't want to get closer to him. She was a lone wolf. Someone who doesn't deserve his kindness. She did a lot of things that cannot be undone. But of course, he doesn't know that. He can never know that. Otherwise, he would hate her forever.

Tonight's training was all about the use of ODM gear. It was practically a test of speed- how quick can you get to the finish line without wasting half of your gas. Luckily, being the last wouldn't affect the final scores. So, naturally, Annie was slacking off. She was too focused on her thoughts anyway.

With a sigh, he released the anchors and pressed the triggers. Nothing. She blinked and pressed again. Nothing. Her triggers were jammed. She couldn't do anything and she was already mid-air. If Annie wouldn't figure something out, she would hit the ground and probably break a bone or two.

„Fuck!" -She cursed as her body plunged into the ground. Closing her eyes, Annie hoped that the damage will be minimal. As she was about to hit the ground, she felt something ramming into her. Annie heard the typical sounds of ODM gear and opened her eyes."Finn…?"

„That was a close call." -Finn commented and they gently landed on the ground."What happened? Is your gear okay?"

„No, the triggers are jammed." -She explained, showing how her triggers were not responding."I almost landed on my face. Thank you for saving me…"

„It's okay, you don't have to thank me." -Finn said with a smile."I'm just glad that you're alright."

'Why do you have to be so damn nice to me?' -She wondered tiredly. But she was also glad that he worried. It made her feel less expandable than she really was.

Suddenly, Keith Shadis came, riding on his horse.

„What happened, Cadets?" -He asked calmly. He eyed the two and quickly recognized them.

„Faulty gear, Sir." -Annie explained and showed her gear."Jammed triggers, I'm not sure if I can finish the exercise."

„I understand." -Keith said with a nod."Cadet Broed, take Cadet Leonhardt back. It's a long way back." -He paused and looked ahead."Don't worry about the exercise. You can always finish it later."

„Yes, Sir!" -Finn saluted and Keith left to themselves."That's weird. I almost thought that he's gonna make me go and finish the course."

„Yeah, I guess you're lucky." -Annie said with a shrug."Let's go back…"

After a while, Finn mustered up the courage and asked Annie."Hey, I have a question."

„Shoot." -She said, looking ahead.

„Can We meet up tomorrow before midnight?" -Finn asked, and Annie stopped.

„Why? Do want to have midnight training?" -She asked not understanding.'I already have problems with sleep…'

„No, but it's important." -He said seriously. She noticed the look on his face. He wasn't joking around.

„Is that so?" -She asked, and Finn nodded."Eh…Alright, but I hope it's really important."

„It is, doesn't worry." -He reassured with a small smile."You won't regret it."

' I'm already regretting a lot of things. I don't think this will be a big deal.' -She commented in her thoughts."Let's hope so…"

It was almost midnight. Annie was lying in her bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. She was listening to the other girls sleeping soundly, wondering why she couldn't be like that. Instead, she was about to meet up with Finn. Sighing, she slowly goes up and went to her drawer. She picked her usual hooded shirt and a pair of cotton trousers. Making sure not to make a sound, she opened up the window and left her room.

Going to their meeting spot, she saw a dim light coming from the bushes. She saw Finn sitting on the ground wearing a backpack. He finally noticed her and got up.

„So, what is it?" -Annie asked with her hands in the pockets.

„Let's go and take a walk." -He said, and Annie stared at him.

„You wanted to go on a walk?" -She deadpanned, causing Finn to smile.

„No, but you wouldn't know where I wanted to meet up." -Finn explained, and Annie let out a quiet groan."It's not that far from here. You'll like it."

„For your sake, I hope I do…" -She almost growled.'Seriously, that's the reason why I stayed up so late…'

They were walking for few minutes before reaching their destination. It the very same cliff that Reiner and Bertholdt showed Eren and Armin. His friends told him about this spot a while back, so he decided to use it today.

Annie was surprised and shocked by the view. She wasn't expecting something like that to be so close. The way that the moon was reflecting in the lake was breathtaking.

„Quite a view, right?" -Finn asked, and Annie nodded.

„What did you want to talk about?" -Annie asked curiously. Now she was interested as to why he wanted to meet here.'Why do I have that strange feeling in my chest…?'

„Just give me a moment." -Finn said and took off his backpack. He took out a small blanket and put it in the ground."Could you sit down?" -Looking at the blanket, she shrugged her shoulders. Sitting down, she watched how Finn sat in front of her."Now, can you close your eyes?"

„Seriously?" -She deadpanned.' He's not planning on doing anything weird, right?'

„Please, it's an important part." -Finn pleaded with a smile. Rolling her eyes, Annie closed her eyes."Now, don't open them until I tell you."

„Alright, just hurry up." -Annie said with annoyance. Then she heard shuffling around his backpack. Finn was taking something out. She heard him placing in front of her. Then, she heard a matching being lit.'What the hell is he doing?'

„Open your eyes, Annie." -Finn said, and Annie did as she was told. Her eyes widened and her mouth was open. In front of her was a small, yet beautiful pumpkin pie with a single candle in the middle."Happy Birthday, Annie!"

„What…?" -Annie was stunned. This was not what she was expecting at all."I don't understand…"

„Well, I know that you're not big on birthdays." -Finn said, scratching the back of his head."But I thought that it'd be a nice thing to do."

„But why?" -Annie asked, making eye contact with Finn."Why did you do this?"

„Eh? What do you mean?" -Finn asked confused."Did I do something wrong?"

„No, you didn't." -She replied, shaking her head."I just don't understand why would you do that. I mean, I didn't do anything for you…"

„Well…I wanted to celebrate your birthday with you." -Finn explained and rubbed his cheek. He blushed, feeling a little embarrassed about what he just said.

Annie stared at him with disbelief. She couldn't understand why, but when Finn said those words, she felt fuzzy in her stomach. Her cheeks also felt warm for some reason. Annie didn't dislike the feeling, but it was just very strange to her.

„Anyway, here…" -He picked the cake up and show it to her."Make a wish and blow out the candle."

„Make a wish?" -She asked, suddenly being pull out of her thoughts.

„Um, yeah, you usually close your eyes and make a wish." -Finn explained."Then you blow out the candle."

„Sound childish." -Annie stated, causing Finn to chuckle.

„Yeah, but it's kinda like a tradition." -Finn said."We don't have to do it if you don't want to."

'My wish…What a silly thing.' -She thought, and looked Finn in the eyes. Annie felt bad for Finn to be doing all of this. She didn't deserve to have her birthday celebrated. And yet, they were doing it now.' I'll humor him. That's the least I should do. I wish…I was a normal girl.'

Finn smiled, seeing as Annie actually blew out the candle. He put the cake down and looked into his pocket.

„I almost forgot. Your birthday present." -Finn said, and Annie felt her shoulders dropping.

„You're joking right now." -Annie said, feeling more than bad enough."This cake is more than enough. You shouldn't be wasting your money like that."

„It's alright." -He said while showing her the gift. It was a simple hairpin with a small cat head attached to it."See? It's not that much because I had no idea what would you like."

„…" -She didn't say anything. Annie slowly took the hairpin and looked at it."A cat?"

„Ah, you know that there is this cat that walks around the barracks?" -She nodded."Well, I saw you petting me once. So I thought that you like cats. Was I wrong?" -He asked, pointing at the gift.

„No, it's…perfect." -She said shyly. Finn was shocked by the tone of her voice."What?"

„Nothing, I'm just glad you like it." -Finn said with a warm smile."Let eat, otherwise, I'm sure Sasha will show up out of nowhere and eat the cake." -Despite her best efforts, Annie couldn't help but smile.

They ate in silence, enjoying each other company. It's been a long since Annie had something this good to eat. For a moment she could forget about what was happening. It was even better because the crickets were singing. If the situation couldn't get any better, the fireflies came out of nowhere.

„Hey, look up." -Finn said, pointing his finger at the sky. Looking up, Annie saw an ocean of stars."Pretty, don't you think?"

„Yeah…" -She agreed and felt Finn poking her shoulder. Annie saw him lying down on his back so that he could look at the sky. She blinked at first and then decided to join him."It's actually better like this."

„Right?" -Finn said with a grin."It's so relaxing that you can almost fell asleep."

„…" -Annie was staring at the sky. Finn noticed that there was something wrong.

„Annie? Is everything okay?" -He asked with worry. Annie bit her lower lip."You can tell me if something's wrong."

„Why did you do all this for someone like me?" -Her voice felt empty and sad. Finn stared at her confused and even more worried.

„What do you mean?" -He asked, getting up without taking his eyes off her.

„I'm not a good person." -She explained bitterly, her eyes fixed on the stars."I've done a lot of bad things. Things that cannot be undone. The kind of that would make you hate me."

„Annie…" -He wasn't sure what to say. Finn didn't expect her to say something like this.

„Please, don't ask…" -She pleaded.

„Do you really think that you're a bad person?" -He asked, wanting her to talk with him. Help her in any way he could.

„That's what I said…" -She deadpanned.'Please, don't say anything…'

„So there isn't even one thing that you can tell me about?" -He asked, and Annie closed her eyes."You know what? I don't believe that you're a bad person."

„Why? Do I really look like a good person to you?" -Annie snorted and got up. She opened her eyes and stared at him blankly.

„I don't think such a term exists anymore." -Finn admitted."Not in the world, We live in anyway. Everyone does something bad, there no is an exception. That's what makes us humans."

„You don't understand…" -Annie said, her voice filled with regret.

„True, I don't…." -Finn agreed with her."But I can see one thing that separates you from a bad person."

„And what is that?" -She asked bitterly.

„Because I can see that you have regrets." -He said seriously."Bad people never regret what they've done. They just what they want and don't look bad." -He paused, seeing how Annie lowered her gaze."While I don't know what you did…I don't really care. There are things that I regret as well. Things that I have done differently. So, I'm not going to ask or judge you…"

„You're too kind and naive…" -Annie said, amused by his way of thinking."Something like this will get you killed one day…"

„Maybe, maybe not." -Finn shrugged."But it's my choice…It should be everyone's choice on how they live with their burdens. That doesn't mean that you have to do it alone. There are always people who can be there for you…"

„Would be nice if that was true." -Annie snorted. She felt Finn's hand on her shoulder.

„It is, Annie." -He said seriously."There is something I want you to know…"

„What is it?" -She asked tiredly. Annie really wanted to go back. She was having a bad feeling about this situation.' Please…Stop…'

„I'm on your side, Annie…" -Finn told her and she froze.

She couldn't understand what she just heard. It was as if she heard a distant voice, somewhere from very far away. But there was one voice she heard clearly.

[…Annie!... Your dad is the only one on your side!...]

Annie's eyes widened and she quickly got up, pushing Finn's hand away. Finn stared at her confused as she turned around and began to leave.

„Hey! Annie, where are you going?" -He asked, but she wasn't listening. She just kept going."Please. stop! I'm serious! I really am on your side!"

She stopped. Annie heard him and clenched her fists. Gritting her teeth, she wanted to turn around and yell at him. But it was too difficult for her to do. She couldn't face him, not after what she just heard. It would add to her list of regrets.

„Annie, please…look at me." -He pleaded with her.

Annie felt an unbearable pressure building up inside of her. She felt that if she turns around, she'll tell him everything. But then she would be forced to kill him. Something that she couldn't do either. So, she did the only natural thing and runoff.

Finn just stood there, staring as the forest consumed Annie's form. He didn't understand why she runs off like that. Did he really say something that has upset her so much? He knew he shouldn't go after her right now. It'd have been a wrong thing to do. But he still felt as if he hurt her.

„I just…I just wanted to help." -Finn said to himself. Then he starts thinking."Reiner was right….I overdid it. Why did I do this? Why am I here?" -More thought began to pop in his head. A sudden realization then popped into his mind.'What am I even doing…I was supposed to look for the Founder. I haven't made single progress in that regard…I'm failing to fulfill my promise to Grandfather…'

Eventually, Annie stopped and leaned herself against a tree. Panting, she was trying her best to compose herself. But she couldn't. After hearing what Finn had to say, she found it hard to focus.

„Fuck!" -She cursed and wiped her eyes. Annie couldn't stop her tears. She felt like a piece of shit."You can't cry. You're not allowed to cry. You're not allowed to show emotions. You're a warrior…"

[…Annie!... Your dad is the only one on your side!...]

[…I'm on your side, Annie…]

„Why…Why did you have to say it." -Annie whispered and sat down. She looked down to her pocket and took out the hairpin. Looking at it, She felt tears going down her cheeks. She closed her hand and was about to throw it, but she couldn't Her arm was shaking.'Why can't I throw it?! Dammit, all!'

„You did a good job, Annie." -Annie suddenly sprung up and was ready to attack whoever spoke out. She was quick to get her emotion under control this time. Then, out of the bushes, came Reiner."You've proved that you're a warrior."

„What?! Were you watching?!" -She growled dangerously.

„Yeah, but I couldn't hear anything, though." -He said with a shrug."Anyway, I'm glad that you've left him. You passed the test."

„Test? A fucking TEST?!" -She snarled and charged at him. Reiner was too slow and got kicked in the guts. He dropped on his knee."So, it was you! You put him up for this!"

„Not really. It was his idea, to begin with." -Reiner explained and slowly got up."I only told him when you have your birthday. That's all…"

„You shit-head…You shouldn't have told him." -Annie was ready to kick her fellow Warrior again.

„I had to test you." -Reiner said seriously."Make sure that you haven't forgotten where your loyalties lie…"

„Look who's talking." -Annie snorted."What about your buddies? You're awfully close with them too. Where are your loyalties?"

„It's a necessity to make 'bond' with those devils. They will less likely to suspect us." -Reiner explained smugly."You've always preferred to be alone. Then you start hanging out with the enemy. I was just worried about you…"

„Fuck! You!" -She snarled and was ready to leave."You know what? How about you start pulling your own weight, huh?! I'm tired of being the one to do everything, while you assholes are playing stupid soldiers. I've done my part! Now it's your turn!"

With that, she left. Reiner didn't want to stop. Firstly, because she would probably kill him. Secondly, she was right. It wasn't fair to put everything on her shoulder. Though, she is the best when it comes to infiltration. But right now, he saw how much he put her through. She needed rest. He wasn't a complete monster to take that away from her.

When she was far away from Reiner, Annie's eyes got teary again. She was trying to fight back the tears, but she couldn't contain them in. So much for having mental barriers. All it took was some nice words from a boy she barely knew. She was pathetic.

'Why is my chest hurting?' -She thought, placing her hand on her chest.' Shit…What's happening with me?'

Finn was sitting on the edge of the cliff. He was deep in his thoughts. Trying to figure out what to do next. He wasn't making any progress whatsoever. Sneaking out to Wall Sina was doing him any favors either.

„What should I do?" -Finn wondered."I wasted more than enough time and haven't made any progress. I wish you're here, Grandfather…"

His Grandfather always knew what to do. Whenever he was troubled, Finn could always count on his Grandfather's wisdom. How was he supposed to do this on his own? Then a sudden realization hit him.

„' It should be everyone's choice on how they live with their burdens. That doesn't mean that you have to do it alone. There are always people who can be there for you.'" -He remembered his own words."I can't do it on my own…I need help. Someone who can help me…? Who? I can't bring Eren, Mikasa, or Armin into this…" -He thought for a good minute before his eyes widened."Survey Corps, perhaps? Yeah, they're always risking their lives for humanity."

This was a good/risky plan. Getting in contact with them would be difficult. And even if he did, there was also the case of them believing him. After all, nobody within the Walls knows the truth. Though he could prove it, there was a chance that they would lock him up. Still, on his own, Finn didn't really stand a chance of finding and securing the Founding Titan. But with possible allies, he would be a step ahead of Titan shifters.

„It's either that or nothing." -Finn said and got up."I gotta take a gamble on this one."

It was another sleepless night for Keith Shadis. Not surprising as he was the head instructor of the Training Corps. He had to go through the reports and then grade the Cadets. They're a lot of promising Cadets in the 104th squad. Such like, Mikasa Ackermann, Eren Yeager, Annie Leonhardt, Reiner Braus, Jean Kirstein, or Finn Broed.

Suddenly, there was a knock on his doors.

„Come in." -He said with a sigh. It was Finn Broed."Cadet, what are you doing here at this hour?"

„I need your help, Commandant." -Finn said seriously."This will take a while, though."

A/N: Hope you like it thus far. Please leave a review or drop a favorite.