Dreams and Promises
The weeks are closing in, until the day they would depart and join their respective regiments. Since the day that both Alan and Mikasa opened their feelings towards one another and became a thing in Garrus's words, Eren noticed how the two smiled a lot more, their emotions no longer hiding behind defensive walls, this made him happy to see, more for Mikasa's sake, he hated that she stuck to him and only him, like cattle to a farmer. The influence that was given made as if her chains have been broken and she no longer needs to overbear towards Eren as much since that night in the house, the night he saved her life.
Reiner, also enjoyed his brothers new found spark, he has seen his rare smile when he was genuine, no stupid jokes but actual happiness, Reiner was proud of him to actually find someone to break him out of his shell, but he has the privilege to tease him from time to time, Brother privileges he would call it. His eyes now lingered on the beautiful Christa, such a goddess in her truest form.
A hand suddenly waved in front of Reiner's face "Earth to Reiner, is anyone living in there?" a familiar voice crept into his ears, giving the attention to the distraction of his affection, Christa simply smiled, her lovely charming, goddess smile 'Marry me' Reiner thought, unable to resist the smile crossing his lips.
"Sorry Christa, I was distracted" Smiling down to the beautiful blonde.
Giving her own smile "Reiner, you have been distracted again, I asked what regiment you would join when it's come to decide"
Blinking, he originally wanted to join the Military police but now too unsure what he wants, remembering the argument with Alan last night.
"What do you mean you asked to not be in the top ten?" Reiner demanded; his eyes narrowed.
Alan holding his hands up in defence "It's my choice Reiner, I want to give the rest a better chance for a better life, unfair for me to join when others trained a lot harder than me"
Frustrated even more "Better life Alan? You know that I care for you not to have a better life, Your Duty as a soldier, comes first, yes help but not throw your chances to your original goal" Reiner growled.
Bertholdt frantically checking the area now looking to Reiner with concern and worry "Reiner, maybe this is not the best conversation to have right now"
"No Bert, I want to hear what he has to say, what of my Duty as a soldier?" Alan narrowing his eye's back.
"Ever since you declared your feelings towards Ackerman, you have forgotten why you want to become Military Police." Sneering at the man, he promised he would do what is right after the wall broke, yet Alan wants to abandon his ambition to help people from a better regiment. He is naturally gifted, why changing his mind now.
"She has nothing to do with this Reiner, she made me feel" Alan blurted out, Reiner's eyes widened, at the time he knew they had something but to this level?
"You Love her, don't you?" Reiner asked. Alan only giving a sincere nod. Sighing "Alan, I don't want you hurt, ever since I found you, I don't want you to be that empty person again" laying his hand onto Alan's shoulder.
"I know Reiner, I'm glad you found me that day, but I know deep down, I won't achieve anything in the military Police"
Snapping out the memory staring back down to Christa again "Sorry, I was just thinking of something" his grin coming back to show all is fine.
Christa frowned yet again "Your worried about Alan aren't you, well if you're in the top ten you can join the Military Police like you guys wanted, I know Alan would be number one with how good he is" smiling yet again. Reiner wanted her to more than anything to be in the top ten, far away from the dangers of the titans, yet he knew no matter what there's always a danger. Glancing to the corner of his eye, Bertholdt trying to gain his attention for a more private chat.
Heading to Bertholdt's way, cheered Christa up before leaving, now going for a private conversation with Bertholdt, knowing what it would be.
"Bertholdt, make this quick, in case we have people eavesdropping" Looking around his corner before returning his attention.
Nodding "I'm worried about Alan, he's happy, happier than I see him, yet if he finds out about…" Bertholdt being interrupted by Reiner.
"Bertholdt, do not worry about it, when the time comes" stopping his words, hesitant, his mind fighting within himself before the soldier beaten the warrior for the time being "He will be ok, as a soldier we will look out for each other, as my Brother I will watch him more, now enough before people starts to worry about us" smiling and tapping his shoulder before returning to the others.
Bertholdt's eyes chased after him, his brow furrowed in concern "Reiner you know it better than me, it will never last" he whispered to himself, he would hate to see those friends he grew close with be drawn into despair.
Not too far away but more secluded, Alan sat on the grass, overlooking the camp, in deep thought, Mikasa leaning on his shoulder, eye's closed, content with the moment they are currently sharing, she told Eren and Armin about her relationship, to her relief Armin and most importantly Eren was overjoyed at the news, both happy that Mikasa could find her own personal happiness in the world.
Her view has changed that night, when he recuperated her feelings, she felt joy she never felt, unwilling to let it go. There were times that they sneak to catch a kiss or two or do it mid spar, when she thought the man couldn't surprise he manages it, one example that came to mind how he catch her unawares during training, sneaking subtle kisses, that came quick as they go, yearning for his touch yet frustrates her, he knew it's effects, one thing she has learnt, he hates getting caught by surprise, but for her he makes an exception since he benefits from the surprise.
Sooner or later people caught on and start asking all types of questions, one time in during meal times Garrus sometimes wolf whistle their attention and start doing thrusting motions and grunts on top of the table, which usually gets stopped by Sasha who in turn snatch his foot causing the man to fall on his face. The questions was more of a personal nature, something Mikasa is uncomfortable and unwilling to answer since it's due to a line that shouldn't be easily crossed, not that Garrus cared since a few times he had been training naked, either he enjoys the freedom or likes the thrill of being caught.
Sensing her troubled mind, Alan gazed upon his beauty "Trouble on your mind?" Mikasa stirred from her mind, unwilling to pull away the comfort his shoulder provided.
"Nothing you can solve, more than likely nothing?" Mikasa simply said, unsure if he really can.
Raising his signature eye, cocking a cheeky grin "Try me, your problems are now my problems".
Amused, Mikasa also raised her own eye a sparkle of mischief glinted in her grey's "Alright then" pausing before starting "The girls at the barracks I bunk with, has said a few things, Mina seem disheartened that we are a thing as she would call it, seems she had a crush on you, Christa asked how it all went, how romantic, asking for details about how you treated me. Ymir…" A deep red blush formed on her cheeks, Alan confused at the reaction egged her to continue "She said I quote 'Eaten the forbidden fruit and rode him till dawn'"
Silence lingered, Alan's face unable to mask in shock 'That's a lot of problems', clearing his throat looking away "Maybe not all problems I can solve" his own cheeks reaching its own shade of red.
Mikasa laughed, a beautiful rare sound these days, she knew he would back away from this, yet her face sorrowed that in a few weeks, they must choose their regiment and the thought they might separate would be difficult for her since they have for a two months been a couple.
Lifting her chin for his dark blues to meet her greys "Hey what's the matter now?" noticing her dark thoughts.
"I… It's nothing" lowering her eyes, unable to speak her thoughts, Alan stared at her features, lost in his own thoughts, Mikasa noticed he was trying to read her, it's impossible to read her.
"Your worried about the day we choose our regiments?" snapping out of her gloom in surprise, he actually, read her. Nodding in confirmation "The same thought been through mine as well, you know I don't think we have to worry about it, I decided I'm heading into the Survey corps."
The call for the top ten isn't till tonight, the next day for the regiments. Surprised "I thought you would want to join the Military Police with your brother, you talked about it so much"
'You have no idea what I did' Alan mused "Well I feel a life of luxury would be a waste of my talents, plus someone has to help you keep Eren in check" winking at her direction, it's no secret Mikasa would follow Eren, family is important after all and Eren's behaviour spells disaster so it's obvious that she would want to look out for him.
Leaning into his shoulder once again, a small smile crept on her lips, feeling the need, leaning her head back to receive the incoming sneak attack, making him chuckle in between kisses. His laugh became more genuine when he's around her, Mikasa finds it more beautiful, not feeling empty knowing he be there with her each step of the way.
"Mikasa?" breaking the kissing frenzy to her dismay, gazing to his face, conflict in his eyes once more. Humming to his question, showing she is listening "Do you Love me?" blinking at his question, the conflict must be his insecurities, surprised that the strongest cadet, likeable by some, envied by others have insecurities, yet even she felt that he may not feel the same since their confession.
Reaching for his face, her greys meets dark blues "I will always Love you, remember when I said you fill a hole in me" receiving a nod in return "That hole is still whole only by you, I will never want to be apart from you, even death can't stop me" her eyes grew determined at that phrase, the titans will not take him away, neither would the plated titan that nearly took hm away all those years ago.
Chuckling at her newfound declaration "And I, you. Stupid question I'm sure but that feeling that I won't be enough tends to creep in" joking was his way of trying to avoid it, Mikasa saw right through it.
"Since I answered yours, may I ask one of you?" Mikasa inquired. Nodding "Eren mentioned one time that you promised Reiner you help him get back to his hometown"
His face fell at the question, she knew he would answer, didn't expect to have the gloom to him.
"I owe Reiner, he is family to me as Eren is too you. I promised that we will take back the walls and return home, since I was alone before the walls fell, I believe we will find a home as well" smiling, Mikasa looking into his eye's holding a light of hope, her heart beats for his wish, a promise that she will help just to see him happy.
Smiling to him, planting one more kiss on his lips before the sound of ecstasy drawn their attention.
Rolling their eyes, looking to each other with mischievous eyes "What would you like to do Mikasa, surprise them or let Shadis have the honours?" Alan mused his hand to his chin as if in deep thought,
Mikasa did the same, whether if it is amusing "I believe the drill instructor should have the honours, he tends to enjoy catching those two in mid act".
Chuckling at their intentions, picked themselves up and head back to the barracks hand on hand, until seeing a figure moving in their direction, releasing their hands, they caught Shadis on his walks inside the compound.
"Sir, tree's in that direction, have fun sir" Alan called out, Shadis eyes hardened on the tree's in front, his smile grew with glee heading to the tree's where Alan pointed out.
"Alan you cruel blue balling Bastard" a familiar voice bellowed out, turning his head face to face with Reiner, moving into a brotherly hug "Garrus would despise you for that."
Chuckling "Reiner, the way they go at it, they put rabbits to shame" Alan mused, Mikasa calmly smiling at his jokes. Reiner eyeing at the two, he couldn't help but smile.
"Well, maybe it's for the best, they need to focus on their training more then each other, at least you two are doing the opposite." Reiner grinned, he knew they sneak off for small private time, but not for that thing, Alan and Mikasa haven't toed that line as far as he is aware.
Rubbing the back of his neck "Yeah, I rather not train naked" Mikasa blushing at the thought, she definitely does not want people seeing him naked.
Hearing a high pitch scream and maniacal shouting Shadis found his prey, the sun was starting to set, before Reiner beckoned them to the mess hall. Its usual cheeriness went up in an uproar as Garrus was again marched in naked, with Sasha dressed, apparently Shadis has a nasty streak for Garrus since he's the only one naked for everything. Looking in the mess hall "Tonight would be your graduation and the Top ten announcement, tomorrow after midday will be the day you choose your regiments, rest well and be prepared for tonight" after speaking this he left leaving a few cries of relief knowing their training would be complete, Garrus being forced by Sasha to get dressed, not wanting him to appear stark naked before the whole crowd and the other instructors.
The night came quickly as Shadis called all cadets to the open area, as he prepared to announce the top ten.
Shadis bellowed "HANDS ON YOUR HEARTS"
As all cadets saluting, shouting Yes sir at the top of their lungs.
"For you trainees graduating today, three paths are now open before you" eyeing each graduate down "You can be stationed at the walls and defend the cities as members of the Garrison! You can put your lives on the line, to fight the titans in their own territory as members of the Recon Corps! And you can serve the King by controlling the crowds and protecting order as members of the Military Police Brigade!"
All eyes hopeful yet knew what could come next "Of course, only the top ten with the top scores are allowed into the Military Police!"
Stood at the platform the Top Ten stood.
Tenth place stands Sasha Blouse, Ninth belonging to Garrus Dreiken to the crowds surprise, Connie Springer came Eighth, Marco Bott Seventh, Jean Kirstein Sixth, to Jean's dismay and irritation Eren Yeager took Fifth, Annie Leonhart taking Fourth, Bertholdt Hoover taking Third, Reiner Braun taking Second and to everyone's shock that Mikasa Ackerman took FIRST place.
All eyes wondering around for the strongest cadet, hidden amongst the crowd, Mikasa eyeing in front mask plastered her face in stone, yet her eyes scanned the crowd looking for him. Why? Why isn't he the number one, it was obvious how hard and masterful he trained, surpassing herself, the shock hit her hard, no doubt the others standing side by side was thinking the same.
Being Dismissed, as everyone head to the mess hall, for their last meal as trainees' graduates.
"Hey Mikasa" Eren called out grabbing her attention "Can you believe it, we are in the top ten" Being cheerful about it, especially he beaten Jean. Noticing Mikasa frown "Hey your thinking of Alan are you?"
"Yes" she simply said before biting her lip and moving her scarf to her mouth, must be worrisome for her to resort to her scarf after so long "He didn't make it in the top ten"
Eren thought about it "You know that is strange I thought he would have took First place" looking over to the figure in front "Maybe we should ask him, Reiner wasn't happy with him last night, maybe that might be why?"
Heading to the tall figure belonging to Alan, reluctantly receiving his gaze before giving a grin "I take it you want an explanation?"
Both Mikasa and Eren nodded before their close friend sighed "I simply requested not to be in the top ten, wanting to give others the chance, be a waste on someone joining the recon corps" Alan chuckled.
Eren's eyes widened in surprise "Your joins the Survey corps? After that talk of wanting to join the Military police, but you could have done that even as top ten"
"He wanted to give someone else the chance" Mikasa simply stated, a small smile crept on her lips 'Selfless and brave' falling for him more. It must be the reason why he asked that question in case she doubts his decisions and also why he said not to worry about it, he must have done this a while back, hence why Shadis wasn't keeping an eye on him as much during his training.
Ymir wasn't too happy, she slacked off at the remaining weeks so Christa could access the Military police but then again, she didn't expect Dreiken and Blouse to be in the top ten after their sex fest. She would have to keep Christa safe furthermore.
In the mess hall again, people are celebrating in full swing after graduation, laughter in the air spirits are high as many talked about which regiment, they are to join.
"Well it's obvious, I'm be heading to the life of luxury in the interior" Jean boasted gaining the ire from Eren "I rather have suicidal bastards join the Survey Corps if they wish to have a death wish"
Clenching his fist, Mikasa seeing the rage in the emeralds.
Thomas broke the tension asking Eren "Why don't you want to join the Military police; you got the top ten so why not?"
Looking down at his food, heaving a sigh from some listeners, wanting to hear his thoughts "I've been dead set on my goal from the very beginning" breathing once more, Mikasa and Armin smiling contently "I didn't train to live comfortably within the Interior, I worked this hard to fight the titans."
Thomas surprised "But you can't possibly WIN!" gaining the attention from the bigger crowd, Alan and his group included. "We have lost more than twenty percent of our entire population already against the titans, mankind doesn't stand a chance against them"
What was once a high-spirited joyous crowd, turned silent at the thought of the titans, they avoided of thinking against, the truth was there, no matter where they be, the titans would win if they were to attack again. 'That just ruined the moment' Garrus sneered at the thought, rather not want to think about it. Garrus is dead set to be far away from them, even Sasha is heading to the interior, with the promise of meat of course.
"So?" a simple answer from Eren, all eyes now looked to him "You're just giving up because you think you can't win? It's true we suffered only defeats so far. That's because we knew hardly anything about them!" gaining few heads to bow ins silence and thought, absorbing his words in "We can't defeat them with sheer numbers. We may have Lost but the knowledge we obtain from those battles is our guiding beacon of hope." Clenching his fists at the thought of the senseless sacrifices made years ago, when they sent thousands to die to 'regain' wall maria "Yet you'd discard the tactical progress bought by hundreds of thousands of sacrifices, just to serve up on a silver platter? You got to be kidding me" Mikasa seeing the fire burning brightly in the emeralds as Eren face grew not of anger but of determination "I'll kill every last one of them and break free of these walls! That is my Dream! Mankind hasn't lost everything yet!"
Silence lingered until Eren ran out with Mikasa and Armin in toe.
Jean watching the commotion "I rather still go inwards, rather than die outside the walls" muttering angrily to himself.
Alan, Bertholdt and Reiner watched as their eyes followed them leave. Turning to the two "Well that was something" Alan admitted taking a swig from his cup "Least he stuck to his dreams, to the very end at least" He respected Eren, he respected him to stick to his dreams.
Hearing this Garrus piped up "So what's your dream then Braun number two?" raising an eye to another random nickname given.
Thinking into the question "My Dream is to get back home, well retake the wall and get Reiner and Bertholdt back to their hometown."
Nodding "Is Ackerman going to be in that dream now?" the next question stopped his train of thought, remembering back to her love given freely as the birds that flew in the sky.
Looking up his eyes meeting his black one's "Yes, if she wants too". Garrus nodding, satisfied at the answer, head back to the table where his friends plus Sasha and Connie, the Idiot table he likes to muse to himself yet really can't say it out loud since said Idiot is on top of him in ranking.
Bertholdt smiled at the dream Alan confessed, happy that he's still there with them after their time together "You should see your lady before we retire for the night" Reiner already heading to Christa's direction, the small blonde smiled warming at him.
"What of you Bert? Hate to leave you on your own" Alan teased his eyes darted back to Annie and Bert, having the man stutter and blush. "Go to her and be in her presence, I expect she would enjoy it more". Nodding Bertholdt joined Annie who only accepts his presence with a small smile. 'When are they going to confess' Alan wondered, he's aware of Bertholdt's, possibly Annie feels the same, but they will never know until Bert picks up the courage. Smiling after his friend and now heeding his advice heads outside, hearing on Armin's and Mikasa's declaration of joining Eren to the Survey Corps. Eren now wanting them to follow because of him but only by their own free will.
His speech did have a major effect on the people inside now second guessing their decisions, Eren now noticing his presence "Hey Alan, are you joining the Survey Corps?"
Smiling knowingly the question would follow "Yeah I thought about it way before you asked that question, Mikasa knows and now you do" grinning. Mikasa smiles at his presence and voice. "but you are right Eren, we shouldn't dishonour the sacrifices made to this point, we will take the fight to the titans and we will be free" Eren nodding and smiling at the understanding made between the two.
"Well least now we know you be there, the titans won't stand a chance" Eren declared, causing the group to laugh.
"One man wouldn't be enough, if we have soldiers with balls like you have, we will beat them for sure" Alan retorted, Eren beaming with even more fire.
"Come one they last day is tomorrow, we have to be on the walls anyways before we join the regiments" Armin stated, wanting this mood to stay as the group laughed.
As the group retired to bed, Alan pulled out his diary and starts to write, Armin intently watching.
"What do you write in there Alan?" Armin asked, watching Alan pause mid-sentence, as he looks up to the Light Blue eyed blonde.
"Thoughts, feelings, when the urge calls for it, draw like crazy" Alan joked, Armin chuckled quietly not wanting to disturb the others sleep.
"Eren see's you as a brother in way now, since you made Mikasa smile more" out the blue Armin blurted out, that gained Alan's attention. "He was saying that last night when you and Mikasa wasn't together, I thought you would know, we have your back, not as much Mikasa would have though" joking. But seeing his faced sullen "What's wrong Alan?"
"Yeah, but I fear that Mikasa would be forced in a difficult situation in the corps." Armin nodding in understanding. waiting for his voice to continue "It would be dangerous, I would not put her in a position where she has to choose between Eren and me" his eyes returning to his page, writing.
"What would you have said to her if she was" Stopping Alan yet again.
"I tell her to go with her heart and what's most important. I want her to be happy, but I promise to avoid as much as possible not to put her in that position in the first place" before returning into the pages, Armin assumed that the conversation is over, went to his slumber.
Eren wide awake, smiled at his friend/brother. Before returning into his own slumber.
The sun is blazing upon the top of the walls as the group stationed there, Garrus grunting at the cannon placed with Thomas heaving the cannonball into his arms. Hearing an exclamation within the group.
"Wait what?" Eren called out "Connie your joining the Survey corps? What about the Military police?"
Connie was hammering away at the cannon, refusing to look "Yeah I know…" before he can continue Mina came from behind.
"Your speech might have convinced him yesterday" Mina chuckled, receiving a disgruntled shout from Connie.
"Shut up! It's my decision, this genius can change his mind by himself you know" Connie blushing at the obvious statement, apparently everyone seems convinced even Garrus. Apparently Garrus, felt it's just right to do so. Maybe it's Sasha's changing her mind, they will never know.
"Can not wait for the time to come to leave this damn, stupid, WALL" grunted after each word as he moves the cannon into position. Watching over to Alan peering over the wall, watching below. "Oi Braun who never made top ten, you see any lovers down there?" calling out, making the man to turn his head raising his eye.
"Dreiken, the day I find a date with a titan is the day you join the survey corps, plus I doubt Mikasa would enjoy the thought of me taking on a titan lover" Alan called back, causing the group to laugh.
Eren and Mina was in conversation as they cleaned some weapons stationed by the stockpile until seeing Sasha creeping towards them.
"Hey guys, look what I manage to borrow from the officers morning rations" pulling out cooked meat from underneath her jacket. The group stood in shock, Mina and Thomas looking around for officers as Sasha held the meat for the whole world to see.
"What the Fuck! Shit breath" pushing the meat back into her jacket "You trying to fuck up our chances of the interior the chances of top-quality meat?" anger and concern etching his face hoping meat would deter more stupid actions from the woman.
"What I manage to acquire this through natural means" Sasha sheepishly replied 'More like stole or fucked for it' Garrus thought not amused that his woman would do something stupid, not surprised but stupid on this day of all days.
"Why do you have that anyways" Eren asked noticing Alan stretching his arm upwards still looking out to titan territory 'He's eager to fight' Eren thought, there be more of that when they join the Survey corps.
"Well I thought we have some meat before our victory of reclaiming wall Maria, where we get plentiful of meat" Sasha again reasoned as the group relaxed. All agreeing that they would have some to the thought of having more meat, or maybe the chance to eat the meat. 'Meat is a delicacy in these parts' Garrus mused.
"I eat to that; you want some Braun?" Thomas called, only to Alan to look back.
"Nah your good. Just looking for lovers as Garrus suggested" receiving a 'fuck you' from the man. Alan proceed to turn his back looking at the display with his arms behind his back.
"Your loss Braun" Garrus called out, no watching Sasha cutting a piece of meat "Don't be greedy Shit Breath, or no meat for you" causing Sasha to look up her eyes twinkling in mischief.
"Which meat are you refusing me?" smirking at his stuttering state, causing the group to snicker.
"Both if you say that again" Garrus stutter, embarrassed but simply gave her a small smile at her cheek, damn he loves that crazy woman. Knowing she loves him all the same.
Alan looked at the group, smiling before his frown formed as looking out towards the outerwall and Nods.
Eren shaking his head at the comical duo now looking over the city of Trost, smiling with newfound determination.
'Five years have passed since then. Mankind is regaining its dignity. We Can Win. Mankind's Counterattack begins now!'
Eren thought as the wind blew hard suddenly a bolt of lightning, a yellow flash struck behind the wall in titan territory, turning his emeralds, fear and shock stilled within the group. As they stared at the very creature that cause the walls to fall many years ago.
The Colossal Titan has returned.