Chapter two here people. No sex yet... well not EXPLICITLY DESCRIPT SEX yet. meh, i'm a bit of a perv...
Alastor laid on the ground breathing heavily, his left arm hugging around a girl, pressing her against his body. He could feel her heartbeat, regular yet still fast as she relaxed; closing his eyes he leant a bit closer, inhaled the scent of her sweat and skin: it was nice, a sweet perfume that put him further at ease while his right hand softly ran down Annie's side.
_Still not satisfied, you pervert? -her hand reached for his face, turning him so their eyes met- Are you just another stupid horny teenager?
_Just as much as you, Annie. -he replied with the ghost of a smirk her before closing in for a gentle kiss; she neither resisted nor pushed forward, waiting sheepishly till he pulled back.
_Remember we only did this because we wanted to. Nothing else. Don't start to get any weird ideas, it's not like we're a couple. -she pointed and Alastor rose an eyebrow.
_I know. Why do you say that?
_What was that kiss for then?
_Your lips feel like so good. -the comment, while devoid of romanticism, made her blush, and she thanked it was dark- I won't lie, Annie, i'd love to do this again, whenever you like. -he confessed and the girl shrugged.
_Whatever. Pass me my clothes, will you? We should leave before someone finds us.
Without a word he complied, handing the blonde her discarded clothes: as she got dressed, Annie noticed Bane looked at her from his spot on the floor, his eyes capturing every movement she made. When she got ready, she looked at him, still naked. The weak moonlight illuminated his well toned torso and handsome face, both arms crossed behind his head. She blushed a bit again but remained as stoic as ever.
_Did you have to watch?
_You're beautiful. -he told the blue eyed recruit who frowned slightly- Your body is a sight to appreciate, although i'll stop if it bothers you... most of the time at least.
Annie didn't say a thing, staring at the boy (she had to remember he was just a few years older) before shrugging one last time and leaving. They had sex while everyone was already sleeping, having met by chance while taking a nightwalk to fight boredom, a common enemy both shared; a few minutes of silent walking later he asked flatly if she wanted to fuck and Annie had refused. A while later however, curious about what sex in general and with someone like him in particular would feel she asked if the offer was still on the table; and she had to admit, it felt rather good despite the initial pain since Alastor proved to be quite careful and accurate for it being his first time, which he assured before they began "Wonder if those soldiers also taught him a bit about that" Annie thought scratching her head absently, feeling different now she wasn't a virgin anymore. She turned at the creak of a wooden door to see him leaving the building, going to the guy's barracks without a single glance in her direction.
Next morning, Annie woke up to find Mina's face near hers. The blonde inhaled deeply, summoning all her self control not to punch her.
_What the fuck are you doing? -she asked already pissed at having to get up.
_Annie, is it true? Did you and Alastor... you know? -she asked and the blonde's eyes widened.
_What... are you talking about? -Leonhardt slurred, still managing to sound grumpy and apathetic despite the slight apprehension.
_Well, one of the girls said last night she saw you going for a walk before sleeping, and she saw him doing the same, so... -Mina's eyes sparked with intention and Annie seized the chance to deny it.
_I have no idea what you're talking about. Didn't know he was out there, never crossed him.
_Oh, i see. -Annie saw a bit of relief in her eyes, which didn't surprise her. She and her group of looneys really managed to get on her nerves sometimes so the blonde quickly got up and prepared for the day's training.
Meanwhile, in the guys barracks, Eren and Armin were getting ready themselves, gazing at Alastor as he got dressed mechanically, not a trace sleepiness on his plain expression. Since the last time they spoke, a few days ago, neither of them could get any more details about his life. He simply avoided company, completely focused on training as always. They looked at Jean, who was as well observing the emotionless recruit, and his face told the same story. Why did he spark their curiosity in such a way?
_It must be the fact that we've never thought about having a life without emotions -stated Armin as they left the building-. It's so utterly alien to us we just need to know.
_I think we shouldn't push on the matter too much, guys. -Eren said shaking his head- Remember the last time, it started as a mere conversation about training. Perhaps we should try that again.
_But how? -despite how much Jean loved to antagonize Eren, he felt dragged by curiosity as well- He never gives us a chance, it is as if he ran away from us.
_Maybe... -Armin put a hand on his chin, reflexing- maybe he does it on purpose. Remember what he said about not having anyone to share his secrets with. It means he doesn't trust us enough. Maybe he wants us to be more... open to him?
_Open?-Jean raised an eyebrow- Like, sharing our hopes and dreams and that shitty stuff girls talk about?
_Kind of. I think i know what to do.
That very afternoon, Armin managed to catch Alastor's attention, having Jean talk to him with the excuse of needing help working on his 3DMG. Eren and Armin were there "casually" working on the latter's gear.
_Oh, hi Alastor -said Armin, not even lifting his eyes from his gear-. Nice day huh? Working on your gear?
_On Jean's actually. What was the problem, anyways?
_Er, you see, it seems my gear isn't up for the work. -Alastor chuckled at the comment-. Hey, not like that.
They worked about fifteen minutes, as Bane had keen eyes to spot what was wrong, quickly detecting where Armin had discreetly manipulated Kirstein's gear. As he was about to finish, Eren let out a question.
_Say, Alastor. You are going to join the Corps, right?
_Yes.
_That's nice. Someone like you would make a fine addition.
_Oh, yes? -he stopped working on Jean's 3DMG and looked at Jeager's green orbs. Eren gulped instinctively- Why do you think that?
_Well, first and foremost, you are excepcionally skilled. Mikasa said...-Jean lift his head so quickly Eren had to stop so as not to laugh- Mikasa said that you were at her level more or less. When we told her about your early training, she, er, seemed a bit interested on it. Perhaps you guys could train together.
_I see. Go on.
_And, there is this quality of yours, of not losing ever your temper. You are always calm, and that's vital on the battlefield.
_Which is why Eren should stay out of it -said Jean, unable to hold his tongue. Eren looked at him angrily, but before he could answer, Alastor rasied his hand.
_Peace, son of Grisha. Jean has a point. -Eren looked at him wide eyed.
_Son of Grisha? That's my father's name... did you know him?
_Not really. I suddenly remembered that the doctor in our village had asked a colleague for some books to treat a few diseases common in the zone. As i was usually alone, sometimes he let me read them, or some other books he had in his house. Unlike the history books from the government his were actually interesting, and some had Grisha's full name on them. He said a good man who was also a doctor borrowed him those. I never heard that surname again till i met you so i assumed you had to be a relative. And by your answer, i know inwas right.
_Wow -Armin looked at him curiously- so you and Eren were sort connected before you met. Wow.
_Anyways, going back to Jean's comment you do have a problem with your temper, Eren. You can't let a single insult without answer, you are too easy to provoke. I can only imagine one kind of reaction if you saw a temmate being eaten alive in front of you, and that would not only kill you but also whoever follows you. -Bane shrugged- But i am no better.
_What do you mean?-Eren was too curious to feel insulted by his cold analysis.
_I am your complete opposite. I don't have a cold temper, i have no temper at all. No emotions. I cannot understand people who feel fear or anger, i can't process their grief or rage: i can't be truly followed, for i will ask all my comrades to obey, knowing that i will feel nothing if i have to use them as mere fodder. In a short span of time they'd begin to doubt, with good reason. No, i am better at following orders, because unless i see a very clear reason to ignore them, i will do as asked. Jean would be a better leader.
Kirstein looked at the others, clearly surprised by the sudden comment.
_Me?
_Yes. You are not specially brave or imposing, yet your attitude is strong enough to pull others under your command. They trust and respect you. You are very good at sensing other people's emotions, i've seen it either when you provoke this turd -he pointed with his head at Eren, smiling- or when you work in a team: you always take into account how much they can give. And you press them in the right way, just enough so they can push themselves to the maximum of their capabilities.
When he finished, the other three were staring at him, worldess. Alastor's sight then fixed on Armin.
_But you, Armin, you picked my curiosity. What are you planning to do?
_I... i'm joining the Corps too. -he told them and all looked at him surprised-. I know i am not as strong or skilled as either of you, but...
_But?
_But i always dreamt of leaving this walls most people call home and see the outside. The plains of ice, the mountains of fire. The endless ocean of salty water. All this i read in an old book of my grandfather's, before... -his eyes bacame a bit teary and he looked down- before they came. And i never gave up on that dream. I know it could be not as i expect it or just not be at all, but it is worth fighting for me. And if i die out there, then i'm ready do it, always chasing that vision.
For a few seconds nobody spoke, all seemingly deep in thought after Arlert's speech. Then, suddenand unexpectedly, Alastor bursted into laughter. A strong, long and unnerving noise that made everyone else jump on their butts, scared; a laugh that seemed to come in a hurry, as if Bane never had properly learnt to do it (which could even be the case). He went on and on until tears ran down his cheek, holding his ribs while the others stared, too baffled to even feel dragged in his apparent joy. After a gew minutes, he finally began to calm down till the laughter vanished. His face turned quite rmotionless again, a disturbing change after that rare show of delight although this time he looked much more relaxed than the other three had ever seen.
_I never expected that from you, Armin. You... you are truly one of a kind. You're the only one here that doesn't want anything that's related to those giant assholes. A dream... of a new world, without walls or fear. Of discovery and awe, of marvel and beauty -he breathed deeply, closing his eyes as if imagining all of it-. Yes, it is something defnitely worth fighting for, and dying for. But most importantly -he said looking Armin right in the eye- it's a dream worth living for. And if i can, i'll gladly give you a hand in making it true.
There was a moment of silence. Everyone looked at Armin and Alastor, now standing next to the blonde. Then Eren asked him the question that had been on his head all day.
_Alastor... why do you want to join the Corps?
_Well, to be honest, i always felt curiosity about emotions as people usually feel towards things they don't know. They say that the stronger emotions are felt in extreme moments, and what's more extreme than fighting a gigantic nearly unstoppable dickless monster bent on eating you and everyone nearby? If that doesn't make me feel anything, nothing will.
_What about a girl? -asked Jean in a lewd tone-
_Fucking is nice but no, it wasn't what i sought. An... i mean the girl i was with whose name you won't even try to guess if you appreciate being unharmed... i'd gladly do it again with her, but if she's not available then i'll pick someone else like i find attractive... i don't know, Mikasa for example. -Alastor turned to Eren, oblivious of Jean's glare- Speaking of her, i heard she is your sister.
_Um, yes. You need help with her? I could do it. -Eren said smirking just because Jean was pissed.
_No, it's not that. I heard her last name is Ackerman. Is she adopted, or something?
_Well, yes. It's... a complicated story. And tragic. Not sure if the kind you like to... -Armin elbowed him- okay, i'll tell you.
During Eren's explaining of how he met Mikasa, Alastor simply listened, sat straight, eyes staring forwards into the void. He never questioned anything as Eren told him how he and his sister killed three men, his only gestures being soft nodding and a low whistle once Jaeger was done.
_Wow, a nice bedtime story for your grandchildren, i'm sure. -he pointed with a tiny smile- It's nice to know i'm not the only one who's killed people before. -As the others froze at his last sentence, he got up and headed for the door- Your gear is alright now Jean. If you need more help, call me.
Once he left, the others exchanged shocked looks.
_He said he's killed people before? -Jean's disbelief was reaching new heights.
_Oh god, -said Armin- we just became friends with a serial killer, perhaps.
_A psycho! -shouted Eren. The others looked at him- I know what a did, but... but... shit, i won't be able to sleep now. I mean, he sleeps right under me! Shit, shit, shit!
Satisfied with what he heard, Alastor got away from the door. So, they were friends now? This camp was definitely getting interesting at last.
End of chapter.
