No matter What

The doors come knocking as the senior members come waking up the recruits, the day of training have arrived, the day they have been drilled into their skulls for a week, even though it's a simulation, they were told to treat it like the real thing because slacking off or goofing around would not only get yourself killed but those around you.

The Survey Corps are a really cheery bunch as their sense of humour shines through with high possibility of death to titans.

Sneeze your dead, cough your dead, even when you breath your will be dead.

Quite a cheery motivation as their usual senior with the rag on his head wakes everyone, seriously he has a thing for horses when the guy named it Betsy. Alan remembered it fondly when said Betsy bit the rag of his head revealing the shining baldness it covered, Garrus was shovelling horse shit that day with Connie and Bruno.

"Alright cupcakes, head to the mess and eat your fill, in an hour we be heading out to train on the formation, try not to look like idiots while your doing it" The horse man being cheery about it, apparently he wants us to be idiots so he can punish us to shovel shit.

Wasting no time Alan and the other's head to the mess to see Eren already there with Levi squad.

Mikasa, closely nearby, keeping watch for Eren's sake, but as soon as Alan walked through the doors, her head reared to him, her face stoic but her greys sparkle.

Grinning at the sight Alan, along with Reiner and Bertholdt headed over to the table where Mikasa and Armin sat, opposite from Mikasa with Alan sitting right next to her.

Not expecting the action with Mikasa, placing bread in Alan's mouth, the sight was amusing to those watching, Alan raising his eyebrow in shock, unsure how to handle what happened. The woman is getting bold and comfortable with him, an endearing gesture and thought.

"Eat, you will need your strength for later" Mikasa simply stating before returning to her own plate as she ate contently.

Give Mikasa credit, Alan did sit at the table without getting food first, being considerate to his wellbeing, which he rectified by following Reiner, intending to repay the favour.

Unable to contain his laugh Reiner chortled at the puffed cheeks as Alan attempt to eat the bread, that was rammed into his mouth, now he knows how Sasha feels when Garrus feeds her.

As the others left, Armin can only watch Mikasa in amusement, his smile just the same, catching Eren's expression, morphed in amusement and surprise.

"Captain, may I sit with my friends" Eren asked, Levi seeing how Eren's friends are next to them he can't see why not, allowing him to do so on the condition that when Levi squad leaves, he will be leaving with them.

"Hey Mikasa, what was that about?" Eren popped up from behind, Mikasa whirling herself round, her cheeks red. Eren can only laugh at her expression, it is new and fresh, he's thankful that she can be out of her shell more often.

"I don't know what your talking about" Mikasa regaining her composure, noticing Armin shaking his head. Mikasa hopes that he hasn't caught on or know anything about some recent developments in her relationship.

"A lot has happened this week" Armin can only say, Eren has been preoccupied. "Mikasa, you have really changed after the induction ceremony it's like something very exciting happened"

There it is, Armin did notice something, hopefully he wouldn't say something that would cause herself to give it away.

Eren, listening in can only smile, enjoying the atmosphere, now that Armin mentioned it, Mikasa did seem different, like something very special happened to her, how her smiles appear more often when Alan is around, her ability to talk more and make friends without Eren's pushing.

Eren can only make one stupid joke "It isn't like you guys have sex or something" Mikasa instantly without thinking, raised her scarf to her face, hiding the blush forming on her cheeks, totally not a dead giveaway.

Eren, watching this as Mikasa hid her lower face, his smile slowly fell upon realisation on the lack of laughter from Mikasa, the only time she does that as if she's hiding something, his emeralds eyes widening even more. Armin looking between Eren and Mikasa, own expression slowly matching Eren's from coming to the same conclusion.

Mikasa, can only stare blankly, her own scarf pulled up, what can she really say. Until a thud of the trio returning from collecting their food.

This will get awkward really fast she can only dread.

"Hey Eren" Reiner greeted, smiling at his plate full of food, until noticing the tense atmosphere, looking to Alan, his expression stoic yet he is just as confused as he is. Reiner attempts to defuse the atmosphere "So Eren, how's the elite squad"

Silence reigned the table once more, Levi nearby watching, having just heard the joke and the following silence, his eyes flickering back and forth on both the girl and the strongest cadet. This would be interesting to watch, as he hushed his squad, wanting to see how this plays out.

Eren focus laid on Alan, jaw tensing, he didn't expect that, yeah in the final year of training they got together, kissing to be expected, but this, oh no, this is unacceptable. His own brotherly instincts kicked into motion, attempting to keep his cool, for Mikasa's sake.

Ignoring Reiner's question "So Alan, how and when and why" Eren forced through gritted teeth. Alan's answer rides on the possibility Eren wouldn't go and punch his lights out or kill him, not that would happen due to Mikasa being there and well Captain Levi is watching them.

Alan can tell Eren is trying to keep his cool, now he have to be very careful, the possibility of Reiner jumping in would mean Mikasa would go into protective mode and defend Eren and if Eren attacks him, Mikasa would be a stone unsure what to do and that would be forcing her to choose, something he promised he would never do.

So much for keeping things a secret.

"After Trost, Mikasa was very sure she wanted to take that next step, she initiated it, why you ask, that is Mikasa's decision not mine" Alan spoke without a beat, eyeing down Eren's own scrutiny, Eren disengaged to turn to Mikasa, her blush deepening violently.

Mikasa hated seeing Eren's gazed, yet she can only summarise that he's protective over her wellbeing, anything a brother would do.

Mikasa can only nod to confirm that what he said was true, with that Eren's features relaxed a little, still not liking that they took the next step but it was not his business or decision to make.

"You will take responsibility Alan, other than that I just have to accept that" Eren concluded, satisfied that Alan had no witty remark on the matter, not if he wants his lights knocked out that is. The pregnant silence have been disturbed from a yell nearby.

"I Fucking Knew It!" Garrus crashing upwards from his seat, eyes penetrating into the back of his skull "You used me you bastard!"

All heads turning to the commotion, as Sasha tried to drag Garrus back down as he still seething in rage, with Bruno eating his meal not too bothered about the scene like it's a normal day for him, Izzy watched with curiosity looking back and forth to what Garrus is screaming about.

Alan can only feel sweat forming on his brow as Reiner could only watch, his features struggling from breaking into laughter, Bertholdt looking back and forth concern and worry for his friend.

Before anymore commotion can stir, the door from the mess opened for Commander Erwin to walk in. Hearing and Seeing the commotion, would be the perfect moment to enter to gouge the reactions.

His thick eyebrows examined the room as he saw the boy paled at the sight of the commander. Waiting for him to sit back down, poor boy didn't expect Erwin to enter as soon as he screamed.

"Training will start very soon, no need for ODM gear today, get your horses and prepare for training, this is the only time we get to do this, I am counting on you all" the commander spoke, his tone authoritative, hearing the sound of yes sirs, Erwin whirled back outside.

Silence was broken when Levi squad got up and leaving the area, said captain turned his head to see those still standing still "Yeager, with me, You brats get moving, we won't be waiting for you to clean up your shit"

It didn't take too long for everyone to mount their horses, confusion at first but with the assistance of senior members they are put into position, accordingly few senior members will be tailing the recruits to see if they are being aware and keeping the right amount of distance. Some members notably Hange's section, will be employing dummy titans.

Alan is the first to be on the edge, single formations, some are to carry spare horses in case a few get unsaddled due to abnormals, noting how Levi squad are on the right flank, riding hard, Erwin being in the middle noting all around.

Riding at speed, Alan can only keep note on few positions, seeing a dummy from afar, instantly shooting his red flare, a nearby senior jumped out of his skin when the gun was raised.

"Bloody hell Braun, how did you see that from here" the senior gaped as the dummy that was stationed was quite some way, be near impossible to see with the naked eye, unless the kid got eagle vision.

Alan can only smirk as the red flares follows towards the centre indicating titan sighting.

The red flare shot up, pointing East, Erwin seeing this aimed his own shooting directly West signalling all must head west, a few green flares shot up to pass on the order, not enough gone up. Erwin grimaced at the lack of flares, those who do not pay attention can mess up the formation, luckily some seniors are there to correct the mistake.

"Recruit Dreiken!" One called out, Garrus leaning his head to see a senior member riding up beside him.

"Do you not see the change of formation?" the senior asked, his brow furrowed as he notice the lack of flares shooting up.

Garrus is near the edge so he will be the last to know of formation change.

"Nope, not a lot of people shooting their load for me to tell" Garrus sarcastically replied, before pointing his own flare in the same direction. "Happy now?"

"That attitude will get you killed Dreiken" not missing a beat, Garrus can only shrug, he survived Trost with that attitude. He banged and got Sasha with that attitude, the day he die is the day he sacrifice himself with a noble attitude, he prefer to follow his gut and have that attitude if he were to survive.

Mikasa was one of the recruits positioned into the centre, the centre being crowded as she trained her sense's around her, few titans dummies was placed, as she fired her flare red, a senior nearby observing nodded her head, and proceed to be nearby witnessing any commands given, Erwin shooting his flare in another direction, without skipping a beat, Mikasa shot the direction of the commanders flare, signalling those in the rear.

The day was long and tiring as the training through experience was drummed into them, since the commander stated that day was the only day, they were able to do it. A few mishaps were to be expected and reports would be filed to the commander and section leaders before conducting the meeting.

Returning to the HQ was a god send as all recruits that are not used to scouts endurance are soon dropping to their knees catching their breath, some seniors laughing at their expense remembering how they were once like that and the remainder of the coming weeks would be serious endurance training, for when the time comes it will pay off in the end.

Awaiting in his office Commander Erwin watched as all section commanders filed in their report, some were pleasing as others need ironing out the creases, as long as they give their hearts Erwin would make sure it would not be in vain, all die one day, it's the matter of when and the matter if it's worth it.

Allowing some to leave, only Levi and Mike stayed behind, he rather hear those reports without anyone else knowing.

"Levi, you took your squad to the right side?" Erwin asked.

"Yeah, just like you said, everyone saw Eren on the right side" Levi slouching onto the wall nearby, crossing his arms in the process. "Why, you think something is up?"

"I'm not sure yet" Erwin can half confirm, without further evidence he can not fully say on his mind.

"Mike, how did that recruit handle the formation?" Erwin's attention now on Mike.

"I held him back for a while, as soon as I ordered him to formation, he hit full speed without hesitation, reports spoke that he got into the position required of him in two minutes" Mike stated, Levi raising his eyebrow.

"Not bad, either he was given a fast horse, or he shit himself on the way without stopping" Levi spoke, Mike can only chuckle. "mind letting me know why the kid got to do that run?"

"Alan Braun will be with Mike's squad at the start, taking out titans as soon as we exit the protection of Wall Rose, since your occupied with the protection of Eren Yeager, he's the second fastest titan killer we have" Erwin claimed, due to the reports of Trost and Levi's training it is obvious the kid had some hidden power.

"That and Mike seems to taken interest in him, who besides having training with you, will train alongside his squad" Erwin bluntly stated, Levi raising an eye towards the former.

"My nose never lie Levi, kid got something, same thing as you and Recruit Ackerman, yet more potent" Mike simply stated, interest in Levi piqued even more, the girl he understands since he found out that her last name was Ackerman, but that guy. Things have gotten interesting and the kid is hiding more about himself when some claimed to already figure him out.

"Once the expedition commenced, Levi you will be at the rear centre, hopefully if it goes to plan, we can solve the mysteries of the titans" Erwin concluded, dismissing the two as they simply walked out without question.

In the dorm room, as night starts to fall, Alan was scribbling intently in his diary, thoughts, idea's, plans was laid to rest within, before retiring Mike informed him that he be doing extra training with him and his squad, being on the protection duty at the very starts, that explains a lot when Mike held him back for a bit.

Uneasiness settled in him, not seeing Mikasa all day since the training started, actually missing her, wondering if she does as well, shaking the thoughts, his rattling of the pencil been disturbed by Reiner as he hovered over.

"Alan, may I borrow your pencil for a moment" Reiner asked, Alan's shot his eyebrow in question, waiting for a reason why.

"I only need it for but a moment, I need to write a letter" Reiner stammered.

"A letter Reiner?" Alan spoke not believing it "It's not a love letter is it?" Reiner spluttered his words a bit, Alan can't help but tease him.

"No, this time it's serious" Reiner spoke as Bertholdt came from behind, speaking in a hush voice that it is just the three of them.

"Ok, who could you possibly need to write a letter to?" Alan asked, carefully choosing his words, Reiner meeting his eyes, grinned.

"If you must know, Bertholdt wants to send a letter to Annie" Reiner finally admitted, Bertholdt going into a shade of red.

"Not a good way of confessing to her Bert" Alan can only tease some more "I already sent her a letter yesterday"

Reiner raising his own eyebrow "Really now? Don't say you dropped Mikasa for her?" finding amusement in Alans expression growing wide at the accusation.

"Do you mind not to say shit like that out loud, I prefer to stay alive and you know Annie's my friend as well, so believe me that I find it surprising you want to send her one" Alan spoke defensively, he knew Annie and Reiner doesn't see eye to eye, whatever happened between them, not his business.

Groaning "Can I borrow the pencil or not?" Reiner's hand reached outwards.

Can't really say no to his brother "Here, make it quick and brief, if it's a love letter, don't make it obvious, the survey corps are inspecting letters outwards for some reason" Alan warned "Would hate for Bertholdt to die of embarrassment" winking towards Bert.

"Noted" Reiner grinned as he took the pencil and paper, writing it down briefly a good few words in, doubt he made a sentence. Once finished Reiner handed it to Bertholdt, soon leaving quickly.

Seeing Alan's questioning stare, Reiner shrugged and grinned.

"What, Bertholdt can't make a woman swoon if it depends on his life" Reiner gloated, Alan can only chuckle.

"Oh, and you're the expert in the matters of wooing?" both laughing at their own jokes, silence lingered as their smiles remained.

"I miss this" Reiner admitted "Me, you, Bert, just joking, it has been a while"

"Yeah, it has been a while and I am sorry that I have not been the best brother I should have been" Alan spoke, his voice sincere, taking Reiner off guard for a moment.

"You already are, I have your back, you have mine" Reiner laying a fist on his shoulder, keeping it in place. "Although can't really blame you since you have a woman to keep happy"

Alan returning the gesture "Always Reiner, without you, I wouldn't be able to make it this far with my sanity in check"

Dropping their arms, as they contemplate on the silence, Reiner speaking up.

"Alan?" Reiner began, wanting to ask something that plagued his mind "No matter what happens, you will always be my brother, can I count on you?"

Alan sat silent, deciphering the meaning of his words, why would he ask such a thing "No Matter What" smiling in return, only to see Bertholdt smiling at them.

"Did you send that love letter then?" Alan asked.

Bertholdt shook his head, Reiner narrowing his eyes. "Why not Bert?" Reiner questioned.

"Reiner, I have to write it up myself, your words are too" pausing to find the correct the words without saying too much "Obvious" Reiner only gaping for a moment then chuckling.

"Yes Reiner, your expertise in wooing is far too great for Bertholdt here" Alan wiggled his eyebrows teasing the two.

"Bah, long as it is sent Bert, I'm not fussed" Reiner waving off the moment laughing at Alan's teasing.

In the room Mikasa slept, the girls were gossiping on the latest news, especially when it now involves Mikasa.

First to ask in a long row of questions would be Sasha.

"Mikasa" Sasha grinned "So, how was he?" wiggling the brown brows as Sasha asked.

"Sasha why you have to ask it like that?" Izzy piped up, not amused "It's not direct enough, Mikasa, does he have a big dick"

Taken aback from the bluntness of the question, Mikasa can only gape, the shock more prevalent in her expressions, as her brain tried to recover from such a setback.

The random girl, now known as Nina, giggled at the sight "Izzy! That's not very polite, you been hanging round Garrus and his group too much"

Izzy ignored the statement, feigning ignorance "Come on Mikasa, does he taste good, or should I have Sasha compare" her grin grew evil.

Sasha blurting out incoherent words "Izzy! You know Mikasa is not the sharing type or is she the type to allow such talk" double backing at Mikasa, thankful her brain is still repairing from the questions.

Ever since Garrus screamed at them, it didn't take too long for people to add the dots, Sasha was about to confront her but remembered their intimate chat, assuming Mikasa helped her due to the guilt of what happened, asking her these questions and watching her squirm is the best revenge.

Thoughts rushing through Mikasa's brain, tasting good? Would that involve with, oh. Mikasa cheeks intensified at the thought, that will always been a thought, the night when Alan sneaked in her room and did that with his own lips was invigorating, an ache swell between her legs at the thought.

No, she must regain control of herself, supressing the thoughts down, she glared back into the girls pounding her with even more obscene questions that she didn't even think of. Either the two girls drilled into Sasha or they did so before.

"Why have you girls done those type of things?" Mikasa bluntly asked her eyes raised to the three studying their reactions.

Izzy brightened red "No, I haven't even found the right man for that type of thing" crossing her legs as she sat down on the bed, embarrassed. She's not lying but that doesn't explain how she knew about it.

Nina just laughed "I haven't lost it, but I did it somewhere else and ate some" her smirk grew, she has no shame, maybe this is Izzy's source of bountiful of information.

Sasha just blushed "You already know from Garrus's…." face contorted into disgust at the fact Garrus is not the type to be subtle about it "Exaggerated boasts"

Mikasa can only stare blankly, not too sure if she even wanted to talk about that but remembering Eren's and Alan's words of her opening up and being herself more, maybe this is one of those moments that she can talk openly.

"I'm not too sure on what to say" feeling uncomfortable of the moment.

"Ok, let's start easy." Izzy smiled in a calm way "Do you love him?"

Blinking at the answer as Mikasa's cheeks flared once more "Yes" is all she can say.

A Chorus of cooed Aw, as Mikasa answer, finding it surprising and cute.

"How much love? like this small, or way big" Nina cooed moving her arms to emphasize her question. Sasha and Izzy giggling.

"With all my heart" another straight answer, unsure if its s the right way of saying it, Mikasa can only observe the reactions given. Coo's and Aw, positive at the moment.

"Ok, what about Eren, do you love him?" Nina asked once more, that questioned stopped Mikasa's train of thought, wait has the subject changed, Izzy and Sasha already giving questioning looks towards Nina.

"I love him as a brother as I am her sister, why ask?" Mikasa cautioned with her own words, never receiving the explanation back, Nina seemed content with the answer as she leaned back, apparently Izzy was paling for a bit, she knows something.

Drawing the attention away from Nin Sasha said she's in love with Garrus, Nina scoffing and Izzy smiling at the brunette.

To Mikasa's relief the subject of her private life forgotten, as the group talked about their dreams after the war against the titans, assuming they will live through it.

The remaining weeks have been gruelling, politely speaking, Garrus was soon designated dishwasher every night, with a few randomly selected members to help the mentally distress Garrus who threatened to shove the plates up everyone's arse if they bring any more dirty plates for him to wash, soon shuts up when Levi brought his, apparently the captain wanted to see if Garrus backs up his threats, quite disappointing, but Garrus not wanting to tempt the Captains threats, he has been very secretive with Sasha, something Sasha thought was impossible.

Alan had intensive training with Mike, getting to know some members especially a duo named Nanaba and Gelgar, training with them shows their level of skill. Sooner or later to Mike's amusement Alan soon turned the tables by having them keeping up with him, showing off his capabilities.

Mike was impressed to say the least, noting how he does not tire quickly even though his squad trained a lot more intensely than he. Mike can only confirm that the kid has more to him, trusting his nose to be more correct when it comes to sniffing out hidden potential.

Some nights Mikasa and Alan, sneaks out the HQ compound to avoid being caught, Mikasa have gotten even bold as her girl talks have given her few ideas, something Alan have welcomed with opened arms, not going to complain or ask how she would know such things, from the advice from Reiner, don't complain just allow things to happen.

Sleeping under the stars above, they can only sleep in peaceful slumber, in naked embrace, when nothing can ruin this moment the nightmares creeps into his slumber uninvited.

The fires were burning, as the pot above simmers, the older man leaned over stirring it thoroughly, the silence overbearing, as the young boy of the age of four squirmed, from its nap, hair brown, with clothes finely made of silk and cotton.

"Father, what happened to mother?"

The question so innocent yet the father dreaded to answer as the older man, it's hair brown as the child's, it's beard rough as the mans Dark blue pierced back.

Silence lingered for a while, the pain fading from the fathers face as the memory of her was painful.

"Your mother was taken, since you were born my son" The father spoke calmly, awaiting further questions from his son, as he grips onto the knife that laid on the table.

"Oh, but why was she taken?"

Ah this child, unaware that death have claimed her, no matter how you can put it, if you do not be outright with the truth, for they will never understand.

"It is because of our curse my son, like my father before me, his father before me, I have hoped for your mother to be strong due to her heritage to bear child without fear of death."

"Death?"

"Yes, my son, your mother have been taken from death the day you was born" Sorrow filled the fathers face "our line can only bare sons, our curse made it so"

Walking towards the young boy, kneeling down, the knife glistening in his hands, markings etched into its blade, holding to eye level of his son. Ensuring it focus as both dark blue eyes, remained in contact.

"I have made this for you, so you will not forget what we are. A curse amongst men, feared by those that do not understand"

The boys furrowed its brow "Why are we cursed? Why did it kill mother?"

"Alas I can not tell you, you must remain quiet about this, if they were to find out will bring death to us both, we were the first, those that held the power until we die of old age, or a worse fate" Standing tall, its eyes twisted into a wicked grin "But I have perfected my calling, you are perfection, your mother's lineage have made it so"

Its eyes twisted darkly as the titan appeared from its body the house crumbling into rubble as the titan stood over the young boy, it's hand ever reaching.

Mikasa's eyes shot open, as the heartbeat, she slept on spiked rapidly, what used to be warm hands, turned freezing cold as her heart breathes become heavier, reaching for the cold hand squeezing to tightly, affirming she is still there, she despise the titan that haunt his dreams, it is the only dream he has that would cause such a reaction while he slept, the dream that was making him unable to breath, sweat flowing from his brow.

His emotions show nothing when she would look onto his face as if he was fine, but his body, his heart betrays his very thoughts.

Leaning off his chest, her breasts bare from the warmth of his own as she gazed upon the eyes, it's dark blue staring into the sky, unmoving, he knows he can sense her gaze, yet not ready to meet them.

Mikasa can be patient, she always have during moments like these, these are the moments where Alan needs her strength, placing her palm to his cheek, the sign of him leaning into the touch is a good sign, it means he is not lost into his thoughts.

No words would snap him out of it just her presence alone soothes him. Her worry is never ending for him, she wish she could take away the nightmares, allowing him the peace he needs.

She will kill the titan that plagues his dreams, only then would it grant him freedom.

Waiting no longer her lips moved to his, feeling a foreign substance n his face, not pulling away, does she realise tears escaped his own.

Her heart broke for she never seen him draw tears willingly, yet to be the only one to see his weakness, strengthens her more, her love growing.

Parting reluctantly their eyes finally meet. Rubbing his eyes, making the tears disappear, this is what Mikasa can also do for him.

"I am sorry" Alan can only speak.

"Do not be sorry for showing weakness to me, I love you no matter what you do" Mikasa affirming her love through words both to her heart and his.

"No Matter What" Alan repeated, the same words spoken two weeks back to Reiner. A smile appeared slowly on his lips, yet not reaching his eyes, it is a small success.

"No Matter What" Mikasa leaned in once more to his lips, as they returned back to a slumber, forgetting the dream that token place.

The Knife laying near them, waiting ever patiently.

A/N: Yeah Next chapter will definitely be the expedition, how many chapters it will cover, even I don't know the answer to that, I am sure excited to write it out, I am debating whether to have the expedition to be written from different perspectives since it is ne of the important moments in AOT. Anyways enjoy this chapter any feedback and thoughts are welcomed :)

Myzor: Many theories you said in that review, Does? does he not, I actually don't know to that one, I will have to wait and see if he does. I do tend to strive relationships beyond the duo, it's not always going to focus on just hose two but thanks non the less for the review.