When Mikasa received the bag of apples from the vendor, she could see two or three girls in the market's corner whispering and pointing at her. They twirled their lacy dresses, the sunlight catching the silvers on the seams, and when they walked past Mikasa, one girl spat.

"Traitor slut," she said, familiar words burning in Mikasa's ears.

The raven-haired exhaled, walked down the path home, and let the truth rang deep inside. Because, if she couldn't deny it, wasn't it the same as truth?

The sound from the two clashing metals resonated throughout the fields. Mikasa craned her neck from the embroidery she'd been making for the past hour, to the backyard where her brother and best friend were practicing hand combat.

Levi spat on the grass, hands wrapped in sweat-soaked bandages but otherwise looked pristine as always. "Get up, brat."

Eren, on the other hand, lied sprawled on his belly. "Give me five," he panted.

"Enough rest time. You still think you'll be able to protect Armin and my sister from those bullies with your scrawny limbs like that? Another round."

Eren's eyes flashed readied his stance as he got up. Armin, the appointed referee for the match, whistled the sign to start.

"Your brother has been working him up a lot more than usual," Mikasa's mother commented next to her. "We should prepare a nice refreshment for them, don't you think, dear?"

Mikasa nodded. She glanced down at her flower embroideries on the white handkerchief and smiled shyly. She hoped Eren would like it for his upcoming tenth birthday next week.

"Mikasa! Letter from your brother."

"Thanks, Sasha."

Mikasa pocketed the letter and continued braiding little Kaya's hair. "Is your brother still in the army?" the girl asked.

"Yeah. I think he's been moved to another station in Hizuru."

"Don't you miss him?"

"Every day," Mikasa smiled.

Sasha plopped on the couch behind her, spilling potato chips all over the floor when she opened the bag. Mikasa rolled her eyes. No one in the orphanage wanted to be near Sasha and her food, fear of getting splattered and showered with crumbs evident in their eyes. No one except Mikasa, really.

"So," Sasha munched. "Do you know Historia is engaged? To some prince from the Northern Island."

"That's… fast."

"Well, considering the urgency for an heir or two, I'd say it's pretty late for her."

"Why the Northern Island?" Mikasa asked.

"They promised to supply us with their 'advanced' weapons, or so they called. Connie said his regiment is escorting the prince to our harbour by next week. The wedding is next month," Sasha chuckled as she made an air quote.

"A wedding in the middle of a peace negotiation? Historia must have invited all delegates and diplomates from all over. We should watch the ceremony together with the other kids in the town hall. I hope the mayor is generous enough to put up the TV screen."

"It will be a fairy tale wedding!" Kaya exclaimed with wide eyes. "I bet she will be so very beautiful like a fairy, or a queen from a magical island!"

Mikasa ruffled her hair. "She is already the queen of an island, Kaya."

"But," the girl pouted. "It will be a little sad too, that the queen won't have any family at her wedding. The church will be half-empty. Do you think maybe she can invite us to be her bridesmaids? We are her fellow orphans."

Mikasa gulped, her eyes searching Sasha's. The brunette sighed and poked Kaya in the belly. "She may not have any family left, but of course the queen has many friends. She wouldn't be lonely at all!"

"Do you love him?"

Levi stared at her from his chair near the window, a steaming cup of tea delicately balanced on the armchair.

"It isn't about love."

Ten years old Mikasa, so consumed with the idea of love from the fairy tales she read, huffed. "Liar. Mother said it is always about love."

"Just because our parents love each other genuinely doesn't mean every bond should be based on that. Look at Kenny. He isn't in love with Uri."

"I think he did, a little bit. Or else he won't be tailing behind Uncle Uri all the time."

Levi threw a pillow towards her, which Mikasa dodged as she spun and grabbed another one to throw back at her brother.

"Fine, fine. Me and Erwin, we've been working together for years. Know each other longer than that, even before you were born. I trust him, he trusts me. I will die for him, as he will for me. See? It's all about loyalty and balance, Mikasa. Those are always the core of our clan's bond. Love is just another result of it."

"But I know how you feel about him. You worshipped the soil he walked on."

"That's a shitty overdramatization. It doesn't really matter, brat. Given the choice, I'll always pick loyalty over love. Erwin gives me that. With love, you can still go wrong, have different desires that can compromise the situation. But with loyalty, you'll follow each other to the end of the world if you must."

Mikasa hummed, going over his words carefully in her mind. "Do you feel different after being bonded with him?"

Levi smiled a little, "Not really. Our bond, at least on my side, is always as clear as day to me. It doesn't add to anything, doesn't change our dynamic, doesn't complete me like they said about soulmates, because it isn't. It isn't about finding the one, because it takes two to do it."

"Well, you can deny it whatever you want, but you seemed happier… more content with everything. It's a good thing, isn't it? It's like what they told us. An Ackerman has the blood of a protector. And if you're feeling peaceful with yourself and your partner, then there'll be no threat too dangerous to overcome."

Levi nodded.

"I'll be turning eleven next year. One year before the awakening."

"You'll be fine, Mikasa. And if it means anything to you, you have so much love to give to others. I know you'll find your bond eventually."

"I hope, whoever they are, they can share the bond with me."

"It isn't up to you or them, it's up to you both. Just… just remember to only accept a bond willingly. It's better to wait than to rush." Levi's face darkened. "Or to get claimed."

"Claimed?"

"It's what happened to our cousin Sofia."

Mikasa's finger clenched. "The one… the one with the sad eyes?"

"I would kill her scum of a partner if I could. But they had been bonded completely, even if she is forced, so killing him will only destroy her slowly."

"How can he do that? I thought we are the ones who initiate the bond, and they just received it."

"In a close relationship, sometimes, although rarely, they can over dominate us. Because we give them an opening to do so. Because we let them get close."

"But my friend circles are safe. They won't do that."

Levi sighed. "Yeah. They're good kids. Now get out of my room."

The guards immediately blocked her the moment Mikasa stepped on the porch. They eyed her up and down, searching for weapons and any threats, because even if she was wearing a simple commoner attire, her name and face alone flared a warning.

Mikasa dully reminded herself that it was for royal protocol, that they were so imposing on her, and not because of her connection with a certain someone.

"At ease," Historia said from her chair. "Come, Mika, I've prepared some tea."

Silently, she sat down and mouthed a thank you to the queen.

"How is the new piano? I hope it doesn't take too much space in the house."

"It's beautiful, Historia, thank you. The children enjoyed it, even if they can't play it yet. And I believe a congratulation is in order," Mikasa smiled.

"Thanks. I do expect you and Sasha to attend. I need some young and familiar faces among the thongs of old men whom I'm pretty sure will reek sweat and cigars. Goodness' sake."

"Well, I'm sure those old men will be satisfied to see you be married and settled for a stable future with the heirs they wanted so much."

Historia laughed. "True. Maybe I can just fake my infertility and adopt. I am so not looking forward to the procreation part of the marriage."

"Have you meet with your betrothed? Connie mentioned he's quite charming."

"He's alright. A bit awkward, but I guess I could do so much worse. His name is Prince Siegfried from the Northern Island. I should introduce him to you before the wedding. Perhaps, you can sense anything suspicious about him and kill him before I seal my fate with his."

"Do you wish there is something suspicious?"

"I don't believe I have the luxury to do so. Paradis needs their weapons and vast resources. They're also a respectable kingdom and we need their influence on the peace talks."

"You have another conference in Marley in what, a week from now?"

The queen sighed. "Yes. Right in the lion's den."

"If you want, I can serve as your personal bodyguard there."

"Thank you for the offer, Mikasa, but I think having you there among the Marleyans will just worsen our negotiation efforts. No offense, you understand what I mean."

She did understand, Mikasa gulped, but it didn't soothe the raging guilt inside still. "I understand. I'm sorry, Historia, I never should have—"

"Mika. I told you a million times already that it isn't your fault. Having you here in Paradis safely is already a better guarantee for me than your protection service."

A hostage, they're just using you as their hostage against me, his words rang in her ears. Mikasa drowned it down.

"Jean told me he wants us to have a gathering somewhere this week, preferably with alcohol and no protocols. He's been having a hard time with the rebels. Well, I think we all are feeling pretty drained lately. What do you say, Mika, up for some good time?"

Mikasa giggled and nodded, palms hidden beneath her skirt, nails piercing the skin with how hard she's trying to hide her tremors.

Eren roughly rubbed the cloth on her face, making the swollen eyes redder than before. "Stop crying. He's just going away to Mitras."

Mikasa sniffled louder.

"I know it sucks, but neither Armin nor we had any choice in all of this. At least he's going to live with his grandfather instead of some random foster family."

"But it's just so quick. Only a few days since the f-funeral, and we couldn't even say our goodbyes to him!"

"He promised he'll write. And Armin never breaks his promise, isn't that right, Mika?"

"Yeah," her hiccups slowed down. "I'm going to miss him so very much."

Eren looked away, trying to hide his quivering lips. "Yeah. I'm going to miss him too."

"Eren, you… you will never leave me, right?"

"Never."

It was two weeks since Armin's parents' funeral and his sudden departure to live with his closest living family member and current guardian, his grandfather in the capital.

It didn't get any better. She could see his smile in the sunshine, his voice in the soft chirpings of sparrows, his touches in the gentle wind, and his laughter in the church's bells.

Losing one best friend, although not really, was painful and Mikasa prayed she would never experience that anymore. She was certain she wouldn't, with Eren still living in their village and his dream to continue his father's practice.

She wouldn't lose him anytime soon, or ever, right?

She was wrong.

She didn't know it yet, but she was so utterly wrong as she watched the laborious movement of Eren's chest when he struggled to breathe. His shirt stuck to his sweaty skin, hair limp and lips chapped.

Mikasa grabbed the wet towel at the bedside that Carla had prepared and placed it on his forehead. Carla had asked Mikasa to watch over him while she went to the city to buy more medicine that Grisha requested.

They had just finished playing in the meadows one afternoon when Grisha called Eren to come with him to the capital to visit his grandparents. Mikasa bid him goodbye, reminded him to give her gift for Armin, and returned home to bother Levi as usual.

Three days after, Grisha came back with Eren's on his back, shaking like a leaf.

They caught a storm on the way back, he said, and now he had a high fever. Mikasa sat and held Eren's hand through it all.

The next day, Mikasa went down to the basement to pick up Eren's medicine. Everything was tidy as usual, courtesy of the doctor's meticulous nature, but Mikasa could sense something was out of the place.

On the table, there was a small box with the royal seal on it. Inside, a small vial with a trace or purplish liquid and a used syringe. The smell was so potent that she dropped the box on the floor, the clattering sound echoed in the stone walls.

It was the same bittersweet smell that Eren had been emanating the past few days.

Mikasa ran home.

The news of the Yeagerist return to Paradis drew several reactions from people and government alike.

The military police instantly called back the regiments stationed outside to gather in Mitras to strengthen the perimeter surrounding the palace and the queen. They'd also started to enact a curfew for the people. Rows upon rows of soldiers patrolled the streets now, eyes sharp to identify any members of the illegal organization.

The majority of the citizen rarely went outside after six anymore, closing their business early and withdrawing their children from school. Their lively spirits were dampened by fear, even if some secretly voiced out their support for the group who annihilated the threats coming for their island. But still, murderers were murderers, and the name Eren Yeager was a bane for their peace. As long as he still walked the Earth, no place was ever safe, including his own home country.

There were a few Yeagerist threats that arose every year, but this time, it was said that the leader himself was going to march down to the palace to 'discuss' terms of negotiation with the queen.

Mikasa pulled down her hood lower as she gripped the grocery bag tighter to her chest. It was nearing curfew, and more lights were out. She turned around to check the empty street once again and almost crashed into the patrolling soldier.

"Evening, Ma'am. Inspection. Please state your name and address."

Mikasa tucked a strand, her eyes cast downwards. "Mikasa… Mikasa Ackerman. I live and work at the Reiss Orphanage in the village."

The guard perked up at the last name. "From the Ackerman clan? Related to Captain Levi?"

"Yes, he's my older brother."

He took in her appearance for a long time. "Mikasa, you said?" He said at last.

Mikasa nodded.

"I knew it's not a common name," his tone turned into a growl. "What are you doing outside near the curfew? Spying for your lover?"

Mikasa backed away. "I need to go. Is there anything else, officer?"

"Just because you are friends with queen doesn't mean you're less of a traitor."

Traitor slut.

"Stop pretending to be good," he spat. "Everyone here knows while you're acting all loyal and dutiful to our country, you're still spreading your pretty legs to that monster."

"Stop now or I'll report you to the head MP," Mikasa retorted back.

"We wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for him. Whore."

He sneered at her one last time and left.

Mikasa swallowed back her tears.

"What?"

"I… I don't think Eren is having a usual fever. He's still unconscious, but his skin is glowing, Levi, how can that be?"

"What colour did you say the liquid inside the bottle was again?"

"Purple."

"And the box has the royal seal?"

"Yes," Mikasa frowned. "But whatever it is, if it's important at all, why does Dr. Grisha just place it on the table like that?"

"Who has access to that basement?"

"Only him, I think. I'm not even sure I'm allowed to be there. Eren needs his medicine, and the key is laying there, so I thought—"

"Mikasa, listen carefully. Don't tell this to anyone. Not Carla, not Eren. I think I know what is inside the vial."

"It's not medicine? Wait, Levi, where are you going?"

Levi shrugged on his usual military coat and opened the door. "I'll be back. Don't go to the Yeagers in the meantime."

Of course, the eleven years old didn't heed her brother's command. She was a big girl, after all, and Eren was her best friend.

She prepared herself to seek the truth from him when he woke up. Which, to her surprise, he did.

"Eren!" She literally jumped to his bed, careful not to fall atop of his weakened self. "Are you okay? Do you need water? Or food? Wait here, I have some oranges for you outsi—"

"Mikasa."

His voice, perfectly clear as if he hadn't fallen sick at all, was somehow different. Deep, resonating with each vibration, and distant. As if someone else was speaking through him.

"Sorry. How… how are you feeling?"

"Mikasa," he repeated. His dark eyes bore into hers, a void sucking them both in. He slowly stretched his arms to her, and Mikasa, knowing the signs, melted into his embrace.

"I'm glad you're okay. Please don't scare me like that ever again."

"I saw something in my dreams," he whispered. "Mika, you're not going to leave me alone, right?"

"Of course not."

"We'll stay together forever, won't we? Despite everything and anything?"

Mikasa nodded, the soft stands of his hair brushing her cheeks.

"No matter what? No matter what has happened and what will happen?"

"Yes. What's wrong, Eren?"

"Good. Let's promise each other that. Forever."

Mikasa couldn't see it, too absorbed in Eren's warmth, but the boy she was hugging had a strange glint on his eyes. Because this wasn't the first for Eren. Years and years had gone by through his memories. Repeating the same cycle, drenching in her blood over and over again, until he finally knew what he must do.

Somewhere down the line, his past and future selves were placing their trust in him.

To do what they all had failed to do. To protect her.

"Forever."

It was the Royal Memorial Day.

Mikasa lit five small candles on the fountain, each for the royal family member who lost their lives to the green-eyed monster, six years ago today,

She also lit one for Historia, the survivor, because she too had lost her entire family that day.

It was a grim day for all Paradis citizens, etched on their minds on how the pillars of this country crashed down and chaos erupted just in the span of nine short minutes. It was also a grim day for Mikasa specifically, because after the incident a month prior to that day, she hadn't seen Eren or heard about him.

Then, news broke that he had used his Attack Titan to trample the royal family's residence and killed off dozens of guards. People screamed and cried, but his roars were louder.

The following week, little Princess Historia, who was away in a branch family's house that day, was crowned Queen of Paradis.

And after that gruesome attack, Mikasa hadn't left her bedroom at all until Levi slapped some sense into her and dragged her away. She visited the Yeagers afterward, because the only people who were more affected than her must be them, but the house was empty.

So now, still crouching before the fountain, Mikasa lit another two candles for Grisha and Carla Yeager, wherever they were. She also lit two more for her own parents, dead in the plague that took her family and her last happiness.

She lit one for Eren, too. Even if he was still alive.

"Mikasa? Time to go," Sasha said behind her.

"You got the groceries already?"

"Yeah. I bought enough for two weeks."

"Well, we can always buy more if it ran out before that."

"Uhm, I don't think it's a good idea. It's dangerous to go outside when the Yeagerist arrived. Maybe they're already here, I don't know. Should we buy more?"

"I think it's plenty enough. I need to buy extra blankets for the kids, I'll meet you in the café."

Sasha frowned. "I don't like you going alone. Let's put these at the café first then we'll go together to the shop."

"No, Sash," Mikasa smiled. "I know you're already hungry. Go, I'll be fine. It's still midday."

"Wouldn't stop him from snatching you away."

"Do you forget that I'm an Ackerman?"

"I thought you unconsciously cannot attack the person you're b—"

Mikasa shushed her, and after reassuring the other girl that she'd be fine, continued her way to the shop.

Rumours had it that the Yeagerist had quietly infiltrate Paradis, and so the people began to stock food and clothes in the worse cases that war would be imminent. The orphanage was no exception.

She tried not to let the fear that Eren might had been near her already got into her head. She needed to focus on buying enough supplies for the kids.

"Mikasa!"

"Louise?"

"What are you doing here? I thought you wanted to clear your room," the older girl asked the blonde.

Louise cheekily replied, "I want to buy some cookies for Sophie before we go into lockdown."

"Oh, yeah, it's her birthday three days from now, isn't it?"

"Yep. You're going to buy some blankets?"

"Yeah."

"Can I ask you a favour? I need to go buy the cookies now, but I forgot to grab my order for Liam's cat in the pet shop. It's on the way to the clothing shop, can you take it for me? Pretty please?" Louis batted her eyes to Mikasa.

She rolled her eyes, "Sure, sure. Where is this pet shop again? Before or after the shop?"

"Yay! You're the best, Mikasa. It's before. Just turn left from the clinic, there should be an alleyway, and it's right there."

The alleyway looked, for a lack of a better term, very questionable. Mikasa pitied the animals that lived in wherever this pet shop was. She had been lost for quite some time, all the alleys and streets in the area she wasn't familiar with looked all very similar to her.

She was ready to give up and just asked Sasha to accompanied her when suddenly she felt cold drops on her skin. Great, just great, Mikasa thought.

The rain grew heavier, as with her frustration. Before long, she was drenched to the bone, hair plastered on her back, shivering with every gust of wind. She hoped Sasha wouldn't be too occupied with eating to actually remember her friend was still out there in the rain.

Mikasa hopped to a nearby sidewalk, and almost slipped from the uneven bricks when two arms caged her from behind. Mikasa shrieked, but a hand covered her lips. She growled, nobody was going to rob her while she was pissed as hell.

She gripped the assailant's arms and twisted them. "Get awa—"

Her head throbbed from the sudden slam to the wall, although the same hand cushioned the hit. Before her was a blur of black and grey, but Mikasa would've recognized that green from anything else.

"Surprise?"

Her body fluttered with the tremble of laughter in front of her. Mikasa smacked his arms away, but he only held her tighter.

"Not funny."

"Yeah, yeah, as if someone can ever attack the great Mikasa Ackerman."

Mikasa tilted her up, her heart somersaulting, as she stared at the face of the devil that murdered millions outside the Wall. She hadn't seen him in eight months, and he was as different and identical to the boy who left her in pieces years ago. Same eyes, different gaze, as he eyed her softly.

Eren kissed the top of her head. "I missed you. I dreamed about you. Every day."

"What are you doing here?" she whispered. "To finally burn us to ashes?"

His kisses followed down the trail to the sharp juncture of her neck. Mikasa shivered, and not because of the rain.

"Eren, stop. Let me go."

He nipped the skin, hands tangled in her hair. "I'm sorry I broke my promise. Armin advised against it, knowing that they can track my location down."

"It wouldn't be the first promise you broke."

Eren pulled back, his lips glistening, "Why… why are you still angry?"

Her eyes flashed and she jabbed her fingers on his chest. "You. You don't get to leave me in the first place, disappear at times, and only return when it's convenient for you. You don't get to come back after what you've done. I knew what you did, Eren. Millions died. Children."

He gripped her hand. "You know why I did it."

"Knowing the reason doesn't mean it can justify it."

"Is it because of what the people said? About you and me? Give me their names and I'll crush them with my own hands."

"I don't care if people called me a traitor or a whore or a slut—"

"Mikasa—"

"I care when they couldn't trust me. And I'm so, so, utterly angry that my efforts of proving myself are ruined every time you come back and threaten them! I don't want you near me. You just… you just d-don't get to leave and expect me to be fine when everyone hates me for something that I also hated!"

She cried into his shoulders, and he whispered apologies into her hair. Just like what they had been doing for the last few years. Always.

"I hate you so much, I hate you, I hate you," she sobbed.

Because it was true. She hated how he was so heartless to take lives, to destroy nations upon nations, to become the monster he was now just for her and their little island. She hated how he was so cold to others, but so warm with her. She hated how he left her with nothing but shattered hope after that accident six years ago. She hated how he would always leave her, only visiting for a few days every couple of months as if she were worth nothing.

With each declaration of hatred from her, Eren would always reply with a soft assurance of love.

"I'm so sorry, Mikasa. I tried, I really tried. But I can't stop. I'll slaughter every person in this world if it means keeping you safe."

"I—I don't want you to do that. I just want you to be with me."

Eren cradled her head gently and took her lips. "And we will. After all of this are done."

More than anything, she hated herself. She longed to stop waiting for him. But in the end, she really couldn't.

She lit another candle in her heart for herself.

After everything that had happened, Mikasa started to believe that tragedy followed her wherever she went. Like a shadow, a useless attachment, with wavering edges and quiet devotion to the light. But a shadow, although innocent, could be wide and dark enough to swallow someone whole.

Her parents' death hit her like tidal waves.

Eren was gone, Armin was gone, the Yeagers, her second family, were also gone.

And now her parents. Taken by the plague.

She wailed in their tombstones, screaming that they were Ackermans, and weren't they the ones who told them their clan was the strongest?

She had been too engrossed in the sadness and rage of Eren's leaving that she forgot that the only people she never imagined would be gone from her life were also vulnerable to death.

They said people cannot truly fear death, as it was the only mystery that was certain in its nature. They fear the aftermath of death.

Levi too had left after that, coping with his grief with spending more time away in the army, until one day he sat her down in their empty, empty house.

"I need to work more hours to support both of us. I'm applying to be stationed in Marley for a year," he said, dull eyes reflecting her own.

Mikasa nodded. She wanted to chain him down so he wouldn't leave her too, but they both know sacrifices needed to be made in the face of desperation.

"I'm going to sell this house. You're going to live in the Reiss orphanage from now. I already sign you up and deal with all the stuff. You're going to be okay there, Mikasa, you're a strong girl. Stronger than the rest of us."

"Will you visit me?" It was a futile request, but even the hopeless had hope.

"As much as possible. Mika, don't ever forget who we are. Our bloodline, our gifts. Mother and Father may succumb to their illnesses, but our strength as Ackermans has never been about physical strength. It's our heart that is forged by fire. You have to remember that."

"But my bond…"

"It doesn't matter. It doesn't define you, only you can do define yourself. Remember what Father said about us Ackermans?"

Her Father's words sounded so far away, but she repeated it. "We protect others not because we are bound to duty. We protect others because we believe in that duty."

"Whatever may happen, Mikasa, we always have each other."

She ended up following Eren to the Yeagerist's temporary base under the church since the storm was getting more violent. Her hand was clasped in Eren's own as they briskly walked down the streets, cloaks pulled low.

"Only after the storm ended," she had said before.

"But there will be curfew and patrols. You have to stay the night, or you'll get sick."

"Only after the storm ended," she repeated, firmly, and that was final.

The merry atmosphere died down the moment they entered the premise. Some gawked at her, and she guessed they were new members, as the last time she had come with him to meet his followers was two years ago. Some waved at her and saluted Eren. Floch, his right-hand man, was one of them. And some had hugged her.

Louise.

Mikasa really shouldn't be too surprised as she was seeing the cheerful girl right now. Out of everyone in the orphanage, she had the strongest reason to shift her loyalty and joined the Yeagerists. Her parents were farmers in the outskirt of Trost, murdered in a peaceful demonstration against the rising taxes. Mikasa was the one who took her back to live with the rest in the orphanage, and she knew how much Louise hated the Reiss regime.

"Mika! I knew you'd make it back okay."

"Louise. Why… How—No, I mean, so the alley, it was you…?"

Louise beamed. "Mr. Yeager asked me to get you, so I did."

"You baited me."

"He would've found you one way or another anyway."

Eren removed her soaking scarf and hung it on a chair. "Come, Mikasa, I'll get you some dry clothes."

He ushered her away, but Mikasa sent Louise a last glare over her shoulder. The younger girl just shrugged.

"Did you know?" she asked right after they went inside Eren's room, the firewood crackling on the hearth, flames licking the cold air.

"Louise? I know she lives in the orphanage, but I swear I don't know anything else about her or why she joined."

"I protected her from blinding herself with revenge. And now she's here. How stupid of me not realizing it sooner."

"It's her choice, Mika."

"Do you ask her to spy me for you?"

Eren stopped from drying her hair with a towel and sighed. "Of course I did. How else would I know you're safe?"

"There's a large donor for the orphanage every month… Louise said it's from her cousin. But I know she didn't have any family left." Mikasa shuddered. "Is it from you?"

Eren didn't say anything for a while. He dried them both silently and retrieved a new spare shirt from a chest. Tenderly, like he had every time in the world, Eren peeled off her drenched clothes, layer by layer, and put on the shirt on her.

It went to her bare thighs, sleeves hanging awkwardly, but it was so soft. It smelled like him. It smelled like their childhood.

Eren put on a dry shirt on himself and turned towards her. "I promised to take care of you. I might have broken other promises, but never that one, never. I also promised Niccolo to watch over Sasha and Kaya. And the other girls. They're your family, and because of that, my family too. Please don't refuse it."

Mikasa sat on his bed, instinctively grabbing the Little Eren plushie she'd made for him years and years back, the one he kept as a good luck token wherever he went. Mikasa wondered what the people would think about the devil of the world still sleeping with a doll sewed by a little girl.

"It's missing one button eye."

Eren chuckled. "Leave it like that. He's a pirate captain now."

"Eren, what… what will you do after this?"

"Negotiate with Historia. I managed to destroy most of the military bases in Marley and its neighbouring country. They wouldn't be able to attack us anytime soon. The Yeagerists want to take over the government."

Mikasa's breathe hitched. "Will you?"

"I don't know. Even when I'm doing the right thing, they still see us as a terrorist group. The people are divided on supporting them or us. If we don't act first, they'll declare war and I don't have another choice but to accept."

Mikasa was torn. She was, first and foremost, a loyal citizen to Paradis and Historia's friend. She wouldn't gamble with their safety, especially the girls in the orphanage. But she also understood why Eren had to do what he did. And he was… Eren.

"If it ever comes to that, war, I will fight for my people. I must protect them. Do you understand that?" she whispered.

"I do," he knelt in front of her, drawing invisible patterns on her arms. "But regardless of everything, I will always make sure you're not hurt. Just like what we promised, Mikasa. Us braving against the storm together. Forever."

He tilted her face downward to receive his kiss, and while it struck her that she was being intimate with the enemy, that perhaps the universe frowned down on them, this was inevitable.

Eren was gentle at first, lips brushing against her in an unfamiliar slow dance, steps uncertain at first. Then, he stood up and pushed her softly to the bed. The pressure grew, and Mikasa gasped at his mouth, tasting the sweetness of this sin they were both committing.

"I love you," he told her between the hungry claiming of her lips. "I need you."

Mikasa hummed beneath him and allowed him to worship her body. They had never gone through this far before, but as she felt the burning he had for her, Mikasa shattered.

The dance continued.